‘Them: The Scare’ Premiere: Pam Grier Celebrates 50 Years of ‘Foxy Brown,’ Deborah Ayorinde & Luke James On the Show’s Spine-Tingling Episodes

Little Marvin has done it again with Them: The Scare, a Prime Video series that will keep you glued to your screen, unable to press pause or forget what you’ve witnessed once you’ve finished the season.

The show immediately draws us in with the first two episodes as we meet Detective Dawn, a Black woman navigating the challenging environment of the Los Angeles police force during the Rodney King riots of the 90s. As the sole Black woman in the robbery-homicide division, Dawn faces significant resistance from her superiors and colleagues, limiting her ability to serve the community effectively. Despite these obstacles, she remains undeterred, especially when a new serial killer emerges, prompting her to do whatever it takes to solve the case. The series delves into the deeper terrors of American history and ongoing societal issues, particularly those affecting people of color, depicted through powerful and inventive cinematography and thought-provoking storylines.

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The perfect combination of horror and history

The horror elements are heightened by various cinematic techniques. For example, a staple horror scene in the kitchen where Pam’s character, Athena, cuts carrots. This usually always preludes something eerie or dangerous. This simple act builds tension, foreshadowing the horrors that Dawn and her family will face.

Within the initial two episodes we meet two victims, a foster mother and then a father who makes ends meet by making drugs. The victims in the series are discovered in gruesome states, with all bones and limbs broken in ways that seem beyond human capability. Although the actual act isn’t shown, the chilling sounds of snapping bones leave a haunting impact, shaking even the most seasoned detectives. These victims were both visibly paranoid before their deaths and living in sheer terror because ‘HIM’ was watching them. We cannot help but be invited into al the intertwining storylines straight from the jump.

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The performances are noteworthy, with stellar portrayals by Pam, Joshua, and Deborah. Additionally, Luke James delivers a compelling performance as Edmund Gaines, a struggling actor fighting against systemic barriers in the industry. Edmund’s journey from a hopeful young man to someone caught in a downward spiral adds complexity to his character and introduces the possibility of his involvement in the killings. Intriguingly, his last name, ‘Gaines,’ might hint at a connection to another infamous serial killer, Ed Gein, suggesting Little Marvin’s intentional play on names and themes.

Overall, Them: The Scare is a profound exploration of American horror, both historical and contemporary, told through a lens that combines the personal with the universal, leaving a lasting impression on its audience. We cannot wait to see what is in store next.

Pam Grier Reflects On 50 Years Of Foxy Brown

At the Los Angeles premiere of Them: The Scare, the legendary Pam Grier shared her thoughts on celebrating 50 years since the release of the iconic cultural staple Foxy Brown. At a time when actors were not provided with their own stunt performers, Pam put her all into the role and performed her own stunts to deliver the best visual experience on screen. She still deals with pain from those stunts today, but her dedication is a testament to her storied career. Check out the full interview above!

Them: The Scare will stream on Prime Video April 25!