Title: Marlon Wayans Shines in a Thematically Muddled Horror-Psycho Drama: "Him"
Introduction
The highly anticipated film Him, produced by Jordan Peele, attempts to carve a niche in the psychological horror genre by exploring fame’s dark underbelly, particularly within the world of sports. However, it finds itself hampered by a script that lacks cohesion and fails to fully realize its potential themes. Directed by Justin Tipping, Him carries the burden of expectation but falls short in delivering a compelling narrative.
Exploration of Themes
Him is thematically ambitious, aiming to dissect the obsessive fan culture surrounding football, the dismissive attitude towards athlete injuries, and the immense pressure to excel in a fiercely competitive environment. Initially titled Goat, the film cleverly includes visual elements that nod toward its themes, emphasizing the metaphorical ‘greatest of all time’ (GOAT). However, while the film presents these ideas, their execution feels disjointed, leaving audiences wanting a more profound exploration of what it means to be a sports icon in modern society.
Marlon Wayans Delivers a Standout Performance
Marlon Wayans stars as Isaiah White, a quarterback grappling with the insecurity of impending retirement. His portrayal adds a layer of intensity to the character, walking a delicate balance between passion and instability. Moments where he mentors rising quarterback Cameron Wade, played by Tyriq Withers, showcase Wayans’ ability to deliver a gripping performance, even if it often feels out of place in a film that struggles to maintain its tone.
Wayans infuses the character with forced smiles and raw emotions, capturing the essence of someone who believes he must toughen up his protégés. The dynamic between Isaiah and Cameron becomes a focal point; however, the film’s inability to explore their relationship in depth renders it less impactful than intended.
A Shaky Narrative Structure
The film’s setting—a secluded compound where the characters focus solely on football—should amplify the tension, yet it often falls flat. After Cameron’s traumatic brain injury sidelines him, and his phone is confiscated, the narrative becomes increasingly bizarre. Unfortunately, Him oscillates between being a thriller and a psychological horror without fully committing to either genre, diluting its effectiveness.
Visual techniques, such as an X-ray effect illustrating the impact of football on athletes’ bodies and minds, lose their uniqueness through overuse. Instead of heightening the horror, these moments are perceived as gimmicky. As a result, the film fails to deliver a satisfying resolution, leading to an ending that feels both foreseen and poorly executed.
Character Depth and Emotional Engagement
The film’s lack of character development particularly affects Cameron’s arc. Portrayed as passive and disinterested, Tyler Withers’ performance only gains traction in a few brief moments toward the film’s start. Viewers learn of his family connections—specifically his father’s influence on his football journey—but this narrative thread lacks meaningful exploration, making it difficult to empathize with Cameron’s plight. More depth could have rendered the horror elements more chilling and engaging, but Him delivers a tepid experience instead.
Conclusion
At just over 90 minutes long, Him manages to seem longer due to its imbalanced storytelling. Despite Marlon Wayans’ commendable efforts and the film’s initial promise, the delivery falters, ultimately leaving audiences unsatisfied. Tipping and his co-writers have certainly laid the groundwork for a compelling critique of the pressures faced by athletes, yet the film’s execution does not measure up to its aspirations.
As a piece of cinema, Him serves as a cautionary tale—both about the pitfalls of fame and the hazards of pushing creative boundaries without fully realizing potential. While it points to the darker themes within sports culture, it struggles to resonate, making one wonder what could have been had its narrative been more tightly woven.
Him is set for release on September 18, 2025 and will be available across various streaming platforms once it premieres.
