Reading Time: 6 minutes
| Release Date | September 19, 2025 (USA) |
|---|---|
| Director | Justin Tipping |
| Distributed By | Monkeypaw Productions |
| Writers | Justin Tipping, Skip Bronkie, Zachary Akers |
| Cast | Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox |
| Runtime | 1 hour 36 minutes |
| Age Rating | |
| Genre | Horror Thriller Sports |
| Budget | $15 Million (Estimated) |
Review:
What happens when the person you idolize becomes your worst nightmare? This haunting question forms the backbone of "Him," a spine-chilling psychological horror that transforms the American football field into a theater of terror. Director Justin Tipping delivers a masterclass in atmospheric dread, proving that sometimes our greatest heroes harbor our darkest fears. Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) represents every young athlete's dream – a rising quarterback with unlimited potential until a vicious attack by an obsessed fan threatens to end everything. When legendary quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans) extends an invitation to train at his secluded compound, Cameron sees salvation, but what he discovers instead is a twisted mentorship that challenges everything he believed about greatness, sacrifice, and the price of glory.
The film's genius lies in its gradual revelation of horror, as Tipping masterfully builds tension through seemingly innocent training sessions that slowly morph into psychological warfare. The isolated compound becomes a character itself – a fortress of broken dreams where the line between dedication and obsession dissolves completely. Jordan Peele's influence as producer is unmistakable, with "Him" carrying the same DNA of social commentary wrapped in horror that made "Get Out" and "Us" cultural phenomena, yet this film carves its own terrifying identity in the sports world. Marlon Wayans delivers a career-defining performance that will leave audiences questioning everything they thought they knew about the beloved comedian-turned-serious actor, navigating the complex transformation from mentor to monster with surgical precision.
Wayans' portrayal of Isaiah White begins as the perfect role model: wise, encouraging, and genuinely invested in Cameron's success, but as the film progresses, subtle cracks appear in his facade – a lingering stare, an overly aggressive training drill, a comment that cuts too deep. By the time his true nature emerges, audiences realize they've been watching a predator in plain sight. Tyriq Withers matches this intensity with a nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and determination, expertly conveying the internal struggle between gratitude and growing unease that drives the film's emotional core. Cinematographer Kira Kelly creates a visual language that mirrors the protagonist's psychological journey, with the compound's initially welcoming spaces gradually becoming claustrophobic prisons through clever use of lighting and framing.
The film's sound design deserves special recognition – the constant thud of helmets colliding, the whistle of wind across empty fields, and the echo of Isaiah's voice in vast training rooms create an auditory landscape of dread. "Him" succeeds because it's not just about scares – it's about society, serving as a scathing indictment of how we worship athletes while ignoring the human cost of their success. The film explores themes of toxic masculinity, hero worship, and dangerous power dynamics, using the football setting as the perfect metaphor for a culture that celebrates violence, demands absolute loyalty, and sacrifices individuals for collective entertainment. Tipping uses this backdrop to examine how easily mentorship can become manipulation, and how the pursuit of greatness can justify almost any transgression.
Without spoiling the film's devastating conclusion, "Him" builds to a finale that feels both inevitable and shocking, with the final confrontation between Cameron and Isaiah serving as both a physical and psychological battle that will leave audiences breathless. The resolution provides satisfying closure while leaving enough ambiguity to fuel post-viewing discussions, and the film's final images linger long after the credits roll. This isn't a film that relies on cheap jump scares or gore – it's sophisticated horror that trusts its audience's intelligence, with terror coming from recognition of how easily good intentions can be weaponized against us. "Him" is a masterfully crafted psychological horror that delivers both genuine scares and meaningful social commentary, appealing to horror enthusiasts who will appreciate its psychological complexity and sports fans who will recognize the authentic portrayal of football culture, making it a must-watch despite minor pacing issues. Experience the terror that's redefining sports horror. "Him" – Now playing in theaters nationwide!
Ready to Face Your Fears? Isaiah: "You want to be great, don't you, Cameron?" Cameron: "Yes, sir." Isaiah: "Then you'll do exactly as I say... no matter what."
Disclaimer: This review contains no major spoilers. "Him" is rated R for intense sequences, violence, and disturbing themes. Viewer discretion advised.
Where to Watch: Now playing in theaters nationwide | Coming to digital platforms October 2025
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