Football Horror Film Him Review.. Marlon Wayans Shines in Dark Sports Drama That Mixes Supernatural Thrills with NFL Ambition
The highly anticipated football horror film Him has officially hit the spotlight, sparking debate among critics and fans ahead of its U.S. release on September 19, 2025. Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, the movie blends supernatural horror, sports drama, and psychological thriller elements into a bold and unsettling cinematic experience. Starring Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies, Him tells the story of a college quarterback whose pursuit of greatness spirals into a chilling nightmare.
Football Horror Movie Premise and Plot
Him follows Cameron Cade, a rising star quarterback whose NFL dreams are shattered after a violent attack leaves him with a traumatic brain injury. Just when his career seems doomed, his idol, legendary quarterback Isaiah White (played by Marlon Wayans), offers him a chance at redemption. Invited to a secluded training compound, Cameron finds himself trapped in a twisted mentorship where ambition, sacrifice, and supernatural forces collide.
The football horror movie uses the sports world as a backdrop for a Faustian bargain, asking how much someone is willing to give up to be the greatest of all time. The story is packed with religious symbolism, surreal training sequences, and unsettling imagery that push Cameron’s body and mind to terrifying extremes.
Themes of Ambition, Sacrifice, and Horror
One of the strongest elements in this football horror film is its exploration of sacrifice in pursuit of fame. The narrative highlights the dangerous obsession with being the “GOAT” in football culture while exposing the physical and emotional toll of traumatic brain injuries. Through Isaiah White’s character, Him also critiques the idolization of sports legends and the toxic dynamics between mentor and mentee.
The horror elements are enhanced by occult overtones, disturbing visuals, and an atmosphere that questions the cost of athletic ambition. Critics note that this combination of sports drama and psychological horror makes Him a unique but uneven experience.
Performances That Carry the Film
Tyriq Withers delivers a gripping performance as Cameron Cade, portraying both vulnerability and determination as his character’s career and sanity unravel. Marlon Wayans, known for his comedic roots, surprises audiences with a charismatic yet menacing portrayal of Isaiah White, embodying both the allure and the darkness of sports stardom.
While Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies provide solid supporting performances, critics argue that their roles feel underwritten compared to the leads. Still, the acting overall is praised for grounding the film’s surreal and often disturbing visuals.
Visual Style and Horror Atmosphere
Him stands out with its striking visual style, using vivid color palettes, surreal effects, and symbolic imagery to mirror Cameron’s decline. Hallucinatory moments, X-ray visuals, and intense red tones dominate the film, turning the football training camp into a nightmarish battleground.
However, critics note that the tone sometimes wavers between grounded sports drama and supernatural horror, leaving the film uneven in execution. Some of the occult imagery and surreal metaphors overshadow character development, leading to mixed responses from early reviewers.
Critical Reception and Audience Expectations
Early reviews suggest that Him is a divisive football horror movie. On one hand, it is praised for its ambitious concept, powerful performances, and bold attempt to merge sports drama with horror. On the other, critics highlight narrative issues, tone imbalances, and a finale that some call unsatisfying.
Many agree that Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers are the driving forces of the film, with Wayans delivering one of his strongest performances to date. For audiences, Him offers a chilling and unconventional take on both sports films and horror, though those expecting a straightforward narrative may find its surrealism frustrating.
Final Verdict on the Football Horror Film Him
The football horror film Him is a daring blend of supernatural horror, psychological drama, and sports ambition. While it may not deliver a perfect balance, its disturbing visuals, standout performances, and unique premise ensure it will be one of the most talked-about movie releases of 2025.
For horror fans, it provides unsettling thrills; for football fans, it offers a haunting reflection on the sacrifices behind athletic glory. Whether viewed as a bold experiment or a flawed execution, Him is set to leave a lasting impression in both horror cinema and sports drama.
