Tyriq Withers Shines in Him as Marlon Wayans and Justin Tipping’s Bold Horror Film Divides Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

The newly released horror-thriller Him is sparking intense debate among critics and audiences. Directed by Justin Tipping and produced under Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw banner, the film stars Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans in a chilling story that blends supernatural horror with the high-pressure world of American football. With early reactions ranging from glowing praise to harsh criticism, Him has quickly become one of the most polarizing films of 2025.

Tyriq Withers Breaks Out with a Gripping Performance

Tyriq Withers takes center stage as Cameron “Cam” Cade, a promising college quarterback whose career unravels after a traumatic head injury. Withers delivers a layered performance that balances vulnerability with determination, earning recognition as one of Hollywood’s most promising rising stars.

Entertainment outlets have highlighted Withers’ emotional depth, pointing to his ability to embody Cam’s inner conflict with subtlety and power. His portrayal has drawn comparisons to breakout roles in psychological thrillers, marking Him as a career-defining project for the young actor.

Marlon Wayans Him: A Surprising Dramatic Turn

Marlon Wayans, best known for comedy and parody films, takes on a serious role as Isaiah White, a former quarterback who lures Cam to a mysterious training compound. His performance has been widely praised, with many critics noting that Wayans commands the screen with intensity and charisma.

Wayans also responded directly to him movie reviews, encouraging audiences to see the film for themselves rather than rely solely on critics. He pointed to past films that were initially dismissed yet later celebrated, suggesting that Him could gain cult status in the years to come.

Him Rotten Tomatoes Score and Critical Reception

The most talked-about aspect of the release has been the him rotten tomatoes score. Sitting at around 29%, the film has sharply divided critics. Some praise its audacious visual style, while others argue that its narrative is messy and thematically inconsistent.

Here is a breakdown of the reception from major outlets:

The divided response shows that while him reviews highlight its ambition, critics remain split on whether it delivers as a coherent horror experience.

Themes and Symbolism in Him Movie Review

A closer him movie review reveals that the film leans heavily into allegory and surrealism. Critics and audiences have pointed to several recurring themes:

• Faustian Bargains: Cam is forced to question what he is willing to sacrifice for success.

• Religious Imagery: Football is framed as a near-spiritual experience, with biblical undertones of sacrifice and resurrection.

• Sports as Horror: Rather than focusing on games, the film uses football as a backdrop for supernatural and psychological terror.

• Surreal Sequences: Dreamlike visuals and symbolic rituals dominate the story, dividing opinions on whether these choices elevate or confuse the narrative.

While some him movie reviews praise the creativity, others argue that the heavy symbolism dilutes the film’s impact.

Justin Tipping’s Direction Under Jordan Peele’s Influence

Director Justin Tipping aimed to break new ground by combining horror with the culture of sports. His bold visual style has been both celebrated and criticized for overpowering the story. As a protégé working under Jordan Peele’s production banner, comparisons to Peele’s get out were inevitable.

Unlike get out, which was praised for its tight script and sharp social commentary, Him has been criticized for lacking clarity in its message. Still, Peele’s influence can be felt in the ambition to use horror as a tool for cultural critique.

Him Reviews and Audience Reaction

Audience response has been equally mixed. The film earned a “C–” CinemaScore, reflecting lukewarm reactions from general moviegoers. Online forums, however, tell a different story, with many viewers praising Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans while acknowledging the film’s confusing structure.

Positive him reviews often describe it as experimental and daring, while negative ones call it pretentious and over-stylized. This polarization suggests that Him may remain a conversation-starter for years to come, regardless of its box office performance.

Box Office Performance and Financial Outlook

With a production budget estimated at $27 million, Him has grossed around $16 million worldwide so far. Its opening weekend earned $13.5 million domestically, placing it second at the box office behind a major anime release. While the numbers suggest a slow climb toward profitability, the ongoing debate surrounding Him could help sustain audience interest.

The Future for Tyriq Withers and Justin Tipping

For Tyriq Withers, Him has cemented his status as a breakout star to watch, with many anticipating bigger projects on the horizon. Director Justin Tipping, despite mixed reactions, has proven willing to experiment boldly with genre filmmaking, which could open doors for further collaborations in horror and beyond.

Ultimately, Him stands as one of the most daring and divisive films of 2025. Whether it is remembered as a bold experiment or a flawed misfire, it has undeniably put Tyriq Withers, Marlon Wayans, and Justin Tipping at the center of Hollywood’s horror conversation.