Read our HIM (2025) movie review. Despite excellent acting and captivating visuals, this Jordan Peele-produced sports horror film falters with a disjointed screenplay and poor performances. Learn about the plot, themes, audience reactions, and final verdict.
HIM Movie Review
Expectations are naturally high when filmmaker Jordan Peele is at the helm. Peele is known for redefining modern horror with films like Get Out and Us, which blended social commentary with spine-chilling thrills. His latest film as producer, HIM, promised to blend the psychological intensity of horror with the thrill of a sports game in 2025.
But did that happen? According to critics and audiences, it didn’t. Despite HIM’s stunning visuals and excellent acting, its disjointed storyline frustrates audiences rather than terrifies them.
The Premise: Horror Meets the Gridiron
HIM is essentially a sports horror. Starring Tyreek Withers, the story follows college quarterback Cameron Cade, who stands on the cusp of NFL stardom. A head injury threatens to shatter his dreams.
Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), Cade’s childhood idol and renowned quarterback, arrives. White offers Cade a chance for redemption and invites him to a brutal and unconventional training program at his isolated desert campus. Initially a mentorship, it quickly turns into a deeply dark affair, involving psychological torment, cult-like rituals, and hallucinations.
On paper, the premise sounds appealing—the game is filled with fear, power, control, and a sense of sacrifice. Unfortunately, the flaws begin to show in the execution.
A Highlight That Keeps You Watching
The best video presentation belongs to HIM. Director Justin Tipping, known for episodes of Kicks and Black Monday, emphasizes atmospheric cinematography. Expansive desert scenes create a lonely feeling, while claustrophobic training montages emphasize the psychological cage in which Cameron feels trapped.
The film’s color palette, shifting from warm desert colors to eerie, dull grays, reflects Cade’s descent into madness. This scene often feels like something out of Ari Aster’s Midsommar or Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan—both films successfully combine ambition with psychological breakdown.
Acting Performances: Strong But Underserved
Tyrick Withers, also known as Cameron Cade: Withers delivers an excellent and multifaceted performance as Cade. Even though the script isn’t great, the sense of ambition, vulnerability, and paranoia in his portrayal feels genuine.
Marlon Wayans, also known as Isaiah White, a Comedy star, delivers a terrific performance as Cade’s teacher-turned-smart man. His portrayal easily shifts between that of an inspiring guru and an evil cult leader.
Supporting Cast: Although the supporting characters are poorly written, they do their best to embody the film’s surreal, almost dreamlike qualities.
Audience Reception: Divided but vocal
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: Nearly 50% for the opening weekend
Box Office Performance: Jordan Peele’s presence led to a strong opening, but a significant decline in its second week.
Social Media Reactions: Opinions are varied on Twitter/X. Some praised Marlon Wayans’ performance, calling the film “arthouse horror with a pretense of depth,” while others described it as career-defining.
A Fumble in the End Zone
HIM is disappointing. It has glimpses of brilliance—brilliant cinematography, committed acting, and a premise with immense potential. But victory can’t be assured, like a quarterback freezing on the final play.
FAQs
Who directed HIM?
The film was produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Justin Tipping.
What is HIM?
The film follows Cameron Cade, a rising football star, as he faces psychological manipulation and evil rituals under the guidance of his idol, Isaiah White.
How long is the film?
It runs approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes.
