Who Wrote “Them” on Amazon Prime? The Mastermind Behind the Horror

“Them,” the anthology horror drama series on Amazon Prime Video, is the creation of Little Marvin. He served as the creator, writer, and executive producer of the first season, entitled “Them: Covenant.” Little Marvin brought his vision to life, assembling a talented team of writers and directors to execute his deeply unsettling and thought-provoking narrative.

Delving into the Creative Force: Little Marvin

Little Marvin isn’t just the name on the credits; he’s the architect of “Them.” His influence permeates every scene, from the unnerving atmosphere to the pointed social commentary. He conceived the premise, crafted the characters, and oversaw the writing process, ensuring a cohesive and impactful story. His background and inspirations significantly shaped the show’s themes and execution. He wanted to explore a specific moment in American history through a genre lens, specifically using horror to highlight the real horrors of racism and systemic oppression.

Understanding Little Marvin’s Vision

“Them: Covenant” isn’t merely a jump-scare spectacle; it’s a character study interwoven with historical context. It tackles themes of racial prejudice, the Great Migration, and the psychological trauma inflicted upon Black families during the mid-20th century. Little Marvin drew upon his own experiences and extensive research to create a story that’s both terrifying and deeply relevant. His vision was to create a horror show that makes audiences confront the ugliness of the past and the enduring consequences of systemic racism. He sought to create a story that would resonate with viewers on a visceral level, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about American history.

Behind the Scenes: The Writing Team

While Little Marvin is the primary creative force, he collaborated with a team of talented writers to flesh out the story and characters of “Them: Covenant.” These writers brought their own perspectives and expertise to the project, enriching the narrative and ensuring its authenticity.

The writing team consisted of several individuals who helped flesh out the story. Specific information about all of the writers involved in each episode is often found in the show’s credits. The contributions of these writers are integral to the show’s impact, ensuring that the characters feel real and the dialogue resonates with truth.

The Collaborative Process

The collaborative writing process likely involved extensive discussions, brainstorming sessions, and revisions. Little Marvin likely guided the team, ensuring that their contributions aligned with his overall vision for the series. This collaborative approach allowed for a more nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of the characters and their experiences. The goal was to present a complete and authentic view on the situation of the black family going through what they went through.

“Them: Covenant”: A Summary

“Them: Covenant” follows the Emory family, a Black family who moves from North Carolina to an all-white neighborhood in Compton, Los Angeles, in 1953. Their arrival triggers a wave of racist terror and psychological torment perpetrated by their neighbors and supernatural forces. The series explores the family’s struggle to survive against both overt and insidious forms of racism, as well as the haunting legacies of their past.

The series quickly garnered attention for its unflinching portrayal of racial violence and its use of horror to explore social issues. While it received praise for its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes, it also faced criticism for its graphic depictions of violence and perceived exploitation of Black trauma.

FAQs: Unveiling More About “Them”

Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the series “Them” on Amazon Prime Video:

1. Is “Them” an anthology series?

Yes, “Them” is designed as an anthology series, meaning each season features a new story with different characters and a distinct setting. While “Them: Covenant” is set in the 1950s, future seasons are expected to explore different time periods and themes.

2. Will there be a second season of “Them”?

Yes, there will be a second season of “Them,” confirmed by Amazon. Details about the plot, characters, and release date of the second season are still under wraps. It is expected to be a completely different story unrelated to the Emory family.

3. What inspired Little Marvin to create “Them”?

Little Marvin has cited various inspirations, including his own experiences, historical research, and classic horror films. He was particularly interested in exploring the historical context of the Great Migration and the racial violence faced by Black families who moved to predominantly white neighborhoods.

4. Where was “Them: Covenant” filmed?

While the series is set in Compton, California, much of the filming took place in various locations in California, including Santa Clarita and Pomona. Production design played a crucial role in recreating the look and feel of 1950s suburban America.

5. Who are the main cast members of “Them: Covenant”?

The main cast includes Deborah Ayorinde as Lucky Emory, Ashley Thomas as Henry Emory, Alison Pill as Betty Wendell, and Shahadi Wright Joseph as Ruby Lee Emory. Each actor delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, bringing depth and complexity to their respective characters.

6. What kind of horror elements are used in “Them”?

“Them” utilizes a combination of psychological horror, supernatural horror, and social horror. The series explores the terrors of racism and discrimination, as well as the psychological toll it takes on individuals and families. There are also elements of jump scares, suspense, and unsettling imagery.

7. What is the historical context of “Them: Covenant”?

The series is set during the Second Great Migration, a period when millions of African Americans migrated from the South to the North and West in search of better opportunities and to escape racial segregation. However, they often faced discrimination and violence in their new homes, as depicted in the series.

8. Has “Them” faced any criticism?

Yes, “Them” has faced criticism for its graphic depictions of racial violence and perceived exploitation of Black trauma. Some critics argued that the series sensationalized Black suffering and failed to provide adequate context or nuance.

9. What is the significance of the title “Them”?

The title “Them” refers to the sense of otherness and alienation experienced by the Emory family as they navigate a hostile and unwelcoming environment. It highlights the divide between “us” and “them” and the power dynamics at play in the series.

10. How does “Them” use horror to address social issues?

“Them” uses horror as a metaphor for the real-life horrors of racism and systemic oppression. The supernatural elements and terrifying events experienced by the Emory family serve to amplify the psychological and emotional impact of racial discrimination.

11. What are some of the key themes explored in “Them: Covenant”?

Key themes explored in “Them: Covenant” include racism, trauma, family, identity, and the American Dream. The series examines how these themes intersect and shape the lives of the characters.

12. Where can I watch “Them”?

“Them” is available to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. A subscription to Amazon Prime is required to access the series.

In conclusion, Little Marvin is the mastermind behind “Them,” supported by a talented writing team. The show’s exploration of historical and contemporary issues through the lens of horror makes it a unique and impactful addition to the television landscape.