Him Reviews: Marlon Wayans’ Bold Horror-Sports Film Divides Critics and Audiences Alike

The release of Him (2025), directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, has sparked intense debate among critics and viewers. Blending horror with sports drama, the film attempts to push boundaries but has drawn polarizing reactions. With standout performances, surreal visuals, and a controversial storyline, Him has quickly become one of the most discussed releases of the year.

Him Movie Review: Storyline and Ambition

At its core, Him tells the story of Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), a young quarterback whose career derails after a serious head injury. Seeking redemption, he accepts training under Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), a former football legend who takes him to a secluded desert compound. What begins as a path to recovery quickly descends into nightmarish rituals and extreme tests that blur the line between ambition and obsession.

The film aims to merge sports metaphors with horror allegories, exploring the darker sides of hero worship, sacrifice, and identity. Cinematographer Kira Kelly’s work contributes to the surreal tone, using dreamlike imagery to keep viewers unsettled throughout the 96-minute runtime.

Him Film Reactions: Critical Divide

Reactions to Him have been far from unanimous. Many outlets praised its ambition while others criticized its execution.

Negative Reviews

• RogerEbert.com branded the movie “incomprehensibly bad” and “hollow.”

• The Guardian highlighted its inability to sustain narrative coherence despite an intriguing premise.

• Deadline emphasized that the film collapses under the weight of its ideas.

Mixed and Positive Takes

• Empire called it “a wild ride” that, while flawed, demonstrates bold storytelling choices.

• Variety applauded the thematic connections between football and deeper cultural commentary.

• Cinemablend noted that its reach exceeded its grasp, with impressive visuals overshadowing its uneven narrative.

The film currently sits at a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes, further reflecting the divide between critics and audience responses.

Marlon Wayans Him: A Performance That Stands Out

Despite the harsh criticism, Marlon Wayans has received praise for his chilling portrayal of Isaiah White. His character embodies both mentorship and menace, grounding the film with a magnetic screen presence.

Tyriq Withers, a relative newcomer, has also impressed viewers. His athletic background and raw emotion made him a natural fit for Cameron Cade, a character whose physical and psychological struggles define the story. The chemistry between Wayans and Withers anchors much of the movie’s tension.

Him Box Office Struggles

Financially, Him has struggled to meet expectations. Produced on a $27 million budget, it earned around $13.5 million during its opening weekend and has grossed about $16 million worldwide. Audience surveys from CinemaScore graded it a “C–,” showing lukewarm reception from general viewers.

Box Office Snapshot

The underperformance has fueled discussions about whether bold genre-blending films can succeed in mainstream cinema.

Him Horror Sports: Genre Fusion That Sparks Debate

One of the most striking elements of Him is its attempt to merge two seemingly opposite genres—sports drama and horror. While this blend creates an original premise, critics argue that the film often prioritizes symbolism over storytelling. Religious imagery, extreme physical trials, and surreal transformations dominate the narrative, sometimes at the expense of clarity.

For some, this experimentation makes the film thought-provoking and ahead of its time. For others, it results in a disjointed and frustrating watch.

Justin Tipping Him: Directorial Vision Under Scrutiny

Director Justin Tipping sought to craft a visually striking and thematically heavy film, and in many ways, he succeeded. The movie is packed with metaphorical layers that challenge audiences to interpret its meaning. However, the lack of narrative cohesion and an overreliance on allegory have been key reasons behind its divisive reception.

Tipping’s choice to cast Tyriq Withers, an unknown actor, has been praised as a bold move that brought authenticity to the role. The director has expressed that Withers’ real-life background mirrored the protagonist’s journey, making his performance particularly compelling.