HIM is one of the most highly anticipated films of the fall season, directed by Justin Tipping, who co-wrote the screenplay with Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. The film stars Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, and more. While Jordan Peele’s name has been heavily attached to this project, it’s important to note he is only on board as a producer through his company, Monkeypaw Productions, in partnership with Universal Pictures. The misconception that Peele directed this movie mirrors what happened with 2021’s Candyman reboot, where his name overshadowed the actual director.
Recommended READING: HIM (2025) MOVIE REVIEW SPORTS AND HORROR: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF GLORY ON THE FIELD, TERROR IN THE SHADOWS, EXAMINING THE PLOT, CHARACTERS, CAST, PRODUCTION INSIGHTS, AND DIRECTORIAL VISION.
The film follows Cam Cade (Withers), a promising young quarterback whose career is derailed after a violent attack leaves him with a serious brain injury. When his idol, legendary quarterback Isaiah White (Wayans), offers him a chance to train at his secluded compound, Cam sees a path back to greatness. But what begins as mentorship quickly twists into something darker. Isaiah’s charm and authority morph into manipulation, pushing Cam into brutal psychological and physical challenges that beg the question, what price must he pay to become “him” — the greatest of all time?
Tyriq Withers does strong work as Cam, giving the role a grounded determination that will resonate with athletes and sports fans alike. His arc is compelling, but it’s Marlon Wayans who absolutely steals the film. Known primarily for comedy, Wayans taps into his comedic timing but turns it sinister, playing Isaiah as a mentor whose mentorship curdles into control and cruelty. It’s a layered performance that shows how much range he really has.
Visually, HIM is a feast. Cinematographer Kira Kelly crafts a lush palette of colors, shadows, and eerie lighting that gives the film a hypnotic look. Combined with strong set design, costumes, and locations, the film oozes style. Unfortunately, that’s also the problem: it’s almost all style and very little substance.
The narrative never pushes beyond the surface-level premise. The trailer promised mystery, surrealism, and psychological depth, but what we get is a film that constantly teases ambiguity only to collapse into hollow spectacle. Scenes jump between reality, dreams, and hallucinations, but instead of building a layered story, they feel like disconnected moments meant to provoke a “what did I just watch?” reaction. The finale goes big and bombastic, but without narrative weight behind it, it feels empty.
I spoke with several fellow critics after the screening, and the consensus was the same: HIM has strong performances and striking visuals but no clear sense of direction. The film raises questions about sacrifice, obsession, and greatness but never digs deeper than its logline. Even general audience members at my screening expressed disappointment, some saying flat out that the movie “sucked.”
HIM isn’t without merit. It has great performances from Tyriq Withers and especially Marlon Wayans, and the visuals are stunning. But ultimately, it’s a case of style over substance. The hype around Jordan Peele’s involvement will lead many to expect a sharp, layered horror film. What they’ll actually get is an ambitious but shallow story wrapped in impressive visuals.
Rating: 5.5/10