Jordan Peele’s Him, a psychological sports thriller directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, has launched with an unexpectedly low Rotten Tomatoes score. The film follows Cameron Cade, a promising young football player, as he grapples with ambition’s darker impulses while training at the isolated estate of legendary quarterback Isaiah White. The movie is slated for release by Universal Pictures in the United States on September 19, 2025, but early critical responses reveal notable dissatisfaction.
Featuring a cast led by Tyriq Withers as Cam and Marlon Wayans as Isaiah, supported by Julia Fox, Jim Jeffries, and Tim Heidecker, Him carries high expectations thanks to Peele’s involvement. However, with only 18 critic reviews aggregated so far, the film holds a surprisingly low 33% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes, raising questions about its reception despite the notable talent attached.
Implications of the Rotten Tomatoes Score for Him
The low rating suggests that Him has failed to meet critical expectations, especially given its association with Jordan Peele, whose previous directorial works like Get Out, Us, and Nope were highly praised and scored in the 80% range or higher. While Peele did not direct Him, his production credit led many to anticipate a compelling horror or thriller experience, which the critics argue the film does not deliver.
Reviewers often cite the film’s tonal inconsistencies and thematic execution as problematic. While some critics believe the script may have strong potential on paper, the film’s final form is seen as a significant disappointment, with a lack of sustained tension or true horror elements. Additionally, many reviews point to a predictable ending and a failure to fully explore the promised psychological and horror dimensions.
Despite the lukewarm critical response, some defenders of Him note that the film explores important subjects such as the pressures within sports culture. This perspective acknowledges that Him attempts to deviate from traditional genre expectations, even though its delivery falls short. Among the positive notes, Marlon Wayans’ performance has received praise, as noted in reviews like those from ScreenRant.
Analyzing the Unexpected Reception of Him
The disappointing critical response to Him is particularly surprising considering Jordan Peele’s established reputation as a bold and innovative storyteller. Any project linked to Peele tends to carry considerable anticipation, especially in the horror and thriller genres, making the film’s initial poor reception stand out.
The premise of Him shows promise, framing a surreal horror narrative intertwined with themes of celebrity adulation, sports-induced trauma, and toxic mentorship, all presented with a style reminiscent of Peele’s usual approach. Nonetheless, critics were left unsatisfied, which may temper early enthusiasm for the film.
Looking ahead, Him could still find appreciation among audiences when it becomes widely available. Fans of experimental horror and sports thrillers might respond more favorably than critics, potentially leading to a higher audience rating after the official release date on September 19, 2025.
