They/Them: A bold concept blunted by uneven execution

The opening scene of They/Them sets the tone with an unsettling quiet: a lone camper, Jordan (Theo Germaine), stands at the gates of Whistler Camp, a facility promising to “convert” its LGBTQ+ attendees. The rusted sign creaks in the wind, a harbinger of the psychological horror to come. Director John Logan’s feature debut is an ambitious blend of slasher tropes and social commentary, but its execution leaves much to be desired.

Logan deserves credit for tackling a relevant theme—the trauma of conversion therapy—through the lens of horror. The film’s strongest moments lie in the interactions between the campers: Jordan’s quiet defiance, Toby’s (Austin Crute) vulnerability, and Veronica’s (Monique Kim) sharp wit create a sense of found family that grounds the story. Kevin Bacon’s chilling performance as Owen Whistler, the camp’s sinister leader, is another highlight. His ability to oscillate between faux warmth and cold menace elevates the material.

Yet They/Them stumbles in its tonal balance. The film struggles to reconcile its slasher elements with its deeper themes, resulting in a narrative that feels disjointed. The killer’s identity and motives are telegraphed too early, robbing the mystery of tension. Worse, the horror sequences themselves are underwhelming—neither gory enough to satisfy slashers nor atmospheric enough to resonate as psychological terror.

Logan’s direction is often competent but rarely inspired. A few standout shots—like a slow zoom on Bacon’s face during a monologue or a POV stalking sequence through the camp’s shadowy halls—show flashes of potential, but these moments are too sparse. The pacing drags in the middle act, and the third-act twist feels contrived rather than earned.

The performances save the film from oblivion. Germaine is particularly compelling as Jordan, conveying a quiet strength that makes their arc emotionally resonant. Crute and Kim also deliver standout turns, infusing their characters with depth and humanity. But even their talents can’t fully compensate for the script’s weaknesses—dialogue often feels clunky or on-the-nose, and some character beats land with a thud.

They/Them aims to be a queer empowerment story wrapped in a slasher package, but it never finds the right balance. The film’s heart is in the right place, but its execution falls short.

What Works

The cast is undoubtedly the film’s strongest asset. Theo Germaine delivers a nuanced performance as Jordan, capturing the character’s resilience and vulnerability with equal measures. Kevin Bacon, a seasoned actor, brings an eerie charisma to Owen Whistler, making him both terrifying and oddly magnetic. The supporting cast—particularly Austin Crute, Monique Kim, and Anna Lore—add layers of authenticity to their roles, creating a believable dynamic among the campers.

The film’s exploration of conversion therapy is timely and necessary. Logan doesn’t shy away from depicting the psychological damage inflicted by these programs, and the emotional weight of these scenes lingers long after the horror elements fade. The camaraderie among the campers feels genuine, and their shared experiences create a powerful narrative backbone.

What Falters

Despite its strong cast and relevant themes, They/Them suffers from tonal inconsistency. The film struggles to integrate its slasher elements with its dramatic ones, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. The horror sequences lack the suspense and scares needed to satisfy genre fans, while the character-driven moments sometimes feel overshadowed by the film’s attempts at thrills.

The pacing is another issue. The middle act drags, and the build-up to the killer’s reveal feels rushed and unsatisfying. The third-act twist, meant to heighten tension, instead feels contrived and out of place. Logan’s direction, while competent, lacks the visual flair or inventive framing that could elevate the material.

Verdict

They/Them is a film with a lot on its mind but struggles to execute its ambitious vision. The performances are strong, and the themes are relevant, but the tonal inconsistency and pacing issues hold it back. It’s a movie that wants to be both a thrilling slasher and a poignant drama, but it never finds the right balance.

For queer audiences, They/Them offers a mirror into the trauma of conversion therapy, and the performances are worth watching. However, for general horror fans, the film may fall short of expectations.