Them: Covenant: A chilling mirror of systemic racism through horror

The opening shot of Them: Covenant is a nightmare in sepia and sound—Lucky Emory, played with quiet intensity by Deborah Ayorinde, cradles her baby in the dead of night, the air thick with dread. This isn’t just a horror series; it’s a haunting exploration of systemic terror, where the real monsters aren’t just the supernatural entities lurking in the shadows but the insidious racism embedded in every brick of the Emorys’ new home.

Created by Little Marvin and executive produced by Lena Waithe, Them is an ambitious anthology that dares to confront the horrors of being Black in America. The first season, Covenant, follows the Emory family as they move from North Carolina to an all-white neighborhood in East Compton during the 1950s. The series masterfully blends psychological horror with historical trauma, using the supernatural to mirror the very real horrors of racism.

What works is the series’ unflinching commitment to its themes. The performances are a standout, particularly Ayorinde and Ashley Thomas as Lucky and Henry Emory. Their portrayal of a family under siege is raw and visceral, grounded in a love that feels both tender and desperate. Ayorinde’s performance is especially noteworthy, as she navigates the dual terrors of racism and the supernatural with a quiet strength that never veers into cliché. Thomas, too, delivers a powerful turn as Henry, whose desperation to provide for his family is palpable.

Alison Pill’s Betty Wendell is a chilling antagonist, her racism not just a personal failing but a systemic force. Pill brings a layer of complexity to the character, making her more than just a one-dimensional bigot. The supporting cast, including Shahadi Wright Joseph as Ruby Lee Emory and Melody Hurd as Gracie Emory, also deliver standout performances, bringing depth and nuance to their roles.

The visuals are striking, with cinematographer Nathan M. Watson crafting shots that feel like paintings—beautiful yet unsettling. The series’ use of lighting and composition is particularly effective, creating a sense of unease that permeates every frame. The sound design is also noteworthy, using silence and sudden bursts of noise to heighten the tension.

Yet, Them isn’t without its flaws. The series’ handling of its subject matter can feel exploitative at times, leaning into graphic imagery that sometimes overshadows the nuanced storytelling. The pacing is uneven, with some episodes dragging under the weight of their own ambition. The supernatural elements, while effective, occasionally feel like a crutch rather than a complement to the real-world horrors being depicted.

The series’ anthology structure also presents a challenge. While the first season, Covenant, is a compelling exploration of racism and horror, the second season, The Scare, struggles to find its footing. Set in 1991, it follows LAPD Detective Dawn Reeve as she investigates a gruesome murder. The shift in setting and characters feels jarring, and the series’ themes feel less focused.

Them is a series that demands attention, even when it stumbles. It’s a bold, uncompromising exploration of terror in America, one that refuses to shy away from the darkest corners of history. The series is likely to appeal to fans of psychological horror and those interested in exploring the intersections of race and trauma.

However, its graphic content and uneven pacing may not be for everyone. Them is a challenging watch, but it’s a challenge worth undertaking. The series’ first season stands as a powerful testament to the horrors of racism, while the second season, though less cohesive, still offers moments of chilling brilliance.

Comparisons to other horror anthologies like American Horror Story are inevitable, but Them carves out its own niche with its unflinching focus on race and systemic terror. While American Horror Story often leans into camp and spectacle, Them is grounded in a stark realism that makes its horrors all the more palpable.

For those willing to engage with its darker themes, Them offers a unique and unsettling experience. It’s a series that lingers long after the credits roll, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about America’s past and present.

In the end, Them is a series that succeeds in spite of its flaws. Its bold vision and powerful performances make it a standout in the horror genre, even if its execution isn’t always flawless.