They/Them/Us

Slow, awkward, and felt disjointed. Alot going on and the scenes simply do not connect together.

People are being encouraged to come here and give this movie the best rating no matter what. That the low ratings are from the "radical right". I'm not going to blindly review. I decided to watch it and see for myself before I reviewed it. The movie does not deserve the best rating. It was an okay movie. Artificial high reviews are not going to change that.

I've been a writer and educator in the BDSM scene for thirty years, and I've traveled around the country to speak to kinksters (including more than a few visits to Columbus, where the movie is set). I didn't catch this film making a single misstep in terms of the scene as it actually exists in outwardly mainstream, heterosexual America - if you want to know what lies behind all the popular images of latex-clad dominatrixes in towering heels, this is your movie.

It was not flawless. Some bits were thrown in there for cheap laughs, and others to move the plot along (often a bit faster than is realistic). But both principals are completely believable and moving, as are their four kids, particularly the non-binary teen and the teen with drug issues.

I think the film may have audience problems, in that people who want to hear about blended families in the 21st century do not necessarily want to hear about BDSM, and vice versa. But if you have any interest in either topic, and you're reasonably open-minded about alternative sexualities and genders, this is well worth a couple of hours of your time.

Finally...Hollywood has a realistic version of what a real mid-western blended family looks like. Director Jon Sherman along with his partner and co-writer Melissa Vogley-Woods bring to life an amazing Rom-Com that explores what it means to create a new family, with all the joys and challenges that come along with it.

All families have issues and this family is no different. They have a son who is headed for rehab, a daughter who is gender fluid, and two other daughters who are dealing with being the children of separated parents. Plus there is the added strain on the kids of their parents new romantic partners coming into their lives.

The movie also does an incredible job of showing the BDSM Community as it really is...a diverse amalgam of folks from all walks of life who choose to explore and express their sexuality creatively, spiritually, and of course kinkily. This is not a Shades of Grey or Eyes Wide Shut version of BDSM. Amy Hargraves and Joey Slotnick show the humanity and vulnerability of normal people open to discovering new parts of their sexuality with their partners.

This film is filled with rawness and humor and most of all realness. I appreciate the story they tell and the way they tell it. Kudos to Jon and Melissa for writing such a wonderful screenplay and a round of applause to the actors who it brought it to life.

I seldom write reviews until I see so many 10/10 reviews just can't hold my anger anymore. Single parents with kinky interests met and bring their kids together. Go to kinky club and leave the kids alone with weed left behind. Selfish irresponsible jerks I seen. And the worst is, which parts n lines are laughable ? Come on.....

This well-acted, well-directed, and well-scripted romp through the minefield of blended families and mildly kinky sex will have you smiling and feeling good for ... 90 minutes. You heard me: not three hours, not two hours, but 90 concise minutes. Unlike all that caped tripe where the world is being saved from one idiotic peril after another, this indie film gets to the point and is made for ... gasp ... grown-ups. The one-star reviews were clearly produced by people who were having a hemorrhoidal flare-up that day, and the ten-star people were involved in the making of; the truth is north of five stars, though. They/them/us is a perfectly safe, modern take on the family that will entertain any adult of any persuasion, and may even delight their teenage kids. A solid seven.