Him Movie Review: Marlon Wayans Shines in a Dark Tale of Football, Horror, and Sacrifice

Him Movie Review: A Fusion of Sports and Psychological Horror

The Him movie review highlights one of the most unusual films of the year, blending football drama with supernatural and psychological horror. Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, Him tells the story of Cameron “Cam” Cade, a young quarterback whose dreams of greatness collapse after a traumatic brain injury. His path takes a sinister turn when he accepts an invitation from Isaiah White, a legendary quarterback played by Marlon Wayans, to train at his isolated desert compound. What begins as mentorship spirals into bizarre rituals, brutal training, and hallucinations that blur the line between ambition and destruction.

Plot and Themes: Football Glory Meets Dark Sacrifice

At its core, Him explores the cost of success in professional sports, especially American football. The movie uses themes of hero worship, masculinity, and religious symbolism to portray athletes as modern-day idols. Isaiah White becomes a mentor figure, but his methods expose the darker side of glory, where sacrifice, pain, and manipulation outweigh the pursuit of greatness. The story also deals with the mental and physical trauma of athletes, showing the sacrifices players make for fame and legacy.

The use of hallucinations and surreal imagery deepens the horror element. Cam’s journey forces him to confront questions of morality, ambition, and identity, making Him far more than a simple sports film.

Performances: Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers Lead the Cast

One of the strongest aspects of the Him movie review is the focus on performances. Marlon Wayans delivers a career-defining role as Isaiah White, balancing charm, menace, and broken legacy. His portrayal captures the pressure of being idolized while hinting at the corruption that comes with power.

Tyriq Withers is equally compelling as Cam Cade, the vulnerable yet ambitious young athlete caught in White’s web. His performance brings authenticity to the struggles of a rising star navigating trauma and temptation. Julia Fox, playing Elsie White, adds another layer with her role as Isaiah’s influencer wife, embodying the intersections of fame, image, and excess.

Him Rotten Tomatoes Score and Critical Reception

The Him Rotten Tomatoes score reveals a divided reaction among critics. With a Tomatometer rating of around 32%, reviews note that while the film is ambitious and visually striking, its narrative sometimes lacks clarity. Many critics agree that the surreal sequences and heavy symbolism overshadow storytelling, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

Still, performances by Wayans and Withers earn consistent praise, and the film’s bold attempt to merge horror with sports drama has been recognized as daring and original. Audiences seeking straightforward horror may be disappointed, but fans of experimental storytelling are more likely to appreciate its ambition.

Strengths and Weaknesses: What Works and What Falls Short

The Him movie review identifies several strengths that make the film worth watching. Its visual style creates a haunting atmosphere, and the tension between mentorship and manipulation drives the story forward. The performances, particularly by Marlon Wayans, elevate the film’s impact.

On the other hand, weaknesses lie in its pacing and clarity. Some sequences feel repetitive, and the symbolic elements sometimes overshadow emotional investment. The ending, in particular, has divided opinions, with many describing it as rushed or unresolved.

Final Verdict: Should You Watch Him?

For those looking for a fresh take on psychological horror, Him delivers an unsettling yet thought-provoking experience. It is not a typical sports drama or horror film but a daring fusion of both. The story of Cam and Isaiah White becomes a cautionary tale about ambition, sacrifice, and the brutal realities behind football glory.

The Him movie review concludes that while the film has flaws in its execution, it succeeds in sparking conversation. With a mix of powerful performances, disturbing imagery, and bold themes, Him is a film that challenges its audience to look beyond the surface of fame and question what it truly costs to be the greatest.

Rating: 3 out of 5 – Powerful performances and striking visuals, but uneven storytelling.