Them (1954)

In the New Mexico desert, mysterious deaths lead Sergeant Peterson and his team to discover giant mutated ants near a nuclear weapons test site, prompting a coordinated effort with the army to destroy the nests, though two queen ants escape. Directed by Gordon Douglas, this 1954 science fiction film uses minimalistic techniques, such as sound and actor reactions, to create tension and suspense, similar to the later films "Jaws" and "Alien." "Formicula" explores the consequences of nuclear technology, showcasing the monstrous aftermath through a compelling narrative that has earned it a classic status in 1950s sci-fi cinema.