Universal Pictures’ upcoming release, Him, directed by Justin Tipping, merges the worlds of sports and horror in a unique hybrid, marking a rare example of the sports horror genre. Set to debut in theaters on September 19, 2025, the film features Marlon Wayans in a compelling lead role that drives this tense and unsettling story forward.
A Unique Blend of Sports and Horror Genres
The film Him stands out as a literary and cinematic experiment by intertwining the intense culture of football with horror elements. While hybrids like horror-comedy or action-horror have a long cinematic history, this is one of the few films to commit fully to blending sports with genuine horror themes. Though some movies have touched on sports sections or used sports gear for frightful effect, Him is distinctive in its focused fusion of the two genres.
Universal Pictures delivers a story that delves deeper than conventional horror tropes, exploring the dark, obsessive culture surrounding competitive football. The film leverages this environment to craft a narrative that feels both innovative and grounded in the realities of professional sports life, adding tension and depth.
Marlon Wayans Delivers a Powerful Performance as Lead
At the heart of Him is Marlon Wayans’ portrayal of Isaiah White, a quarterback for the San Antonio Saviors who defies the odds by recovering from what should have been a career-ending injury to become a football legend. As Isaiah contemplates retirement, he identifies Cameron “Cam” Cade, played by Tyriq Withers, as his potential successor. Cam arrives at Isaiah’s isolated training facility, only to realize that the environment harbors far darker secrets than expected.
Wayans’ work in this film highlights his impressive range, breaking away from his history in parody and comedy and stepping into a role that is at once charismatic, unsettling, and emotionally complex. His portrayal embodies both confidence and vulnerability, shifting from warmth to menace with ease, and anchoring the film’s unsettling tone.
Julia Fox plays Elsie White, Isaiah’s wife and a social media influencer. Her character moves through the sports compound with an eerie blend of charm and menace, enhancing the film’s enigmatic atmosphere. Meanwhile, Tyriq Withers, as Cam Cade, portrays a player recovering both physically and mentally from a traumatic injury. His performance is mostly subdued, reflecting Cam’s impaired awareness and shock, which aligns with the film’s psychological horror focus.
Exploring Football’s Darker Dimensions Through Horror
The film sets itself apart by pulling horror directly from aspects inherent to football: the cult-like fanaticism surrounding the sport, the mysterious and almost occult nature of high-level training, and the intimidating presence of wealthy team owners. These elements are cleverly woven into the story, making the horror feel intrinsic rather than superficially attached.
To immerse viewers in Cam’s disoriented experience, the movie often employs quick cuts and surreal visuals that echo his confused and unstable mental state. While this technique adds to the psychological tension, it occasionally leads to moments where the narrative becomes unclear, complicating the audience’s understanding of reality versus hallucination. This blending of perception and actuality is a classic horror device, yet sometimes it disrupts the story’s cohesion, especially during the film’s climax.
The ending offers both notable strengths and weaknesses. Without revealing spoilers, it notably provides Withers with a strong acting showcase, allowing his character a powerful moment of clarity and impact. However, some plot developments leading to the finale feel abrupt and inconsistent with earlier character behavior, suggesting that the final act could have benefited from tighter scripting to maintain narrative flow.
Marlon Wayans’ Role Elevates a Mixed but Ambitious Film
Him is compelling in large part due to Wayans’ committed performance, which brings vitality and intensity to a story that is otherwise occasionally hindered by stylistic confusion and uneven pacing. The film is immersive, with thoughtful cinematography and sound design that enhance its eerie atmosphere and tension.
While the movie does not fully realize its potential, resulting in a somewhat mixed reception, it remains an intriguing addition to the horror genre. It effectively ties its scares to the culture and inherent dangers of professional football, a fresh angle rarely explored in cinema. The film’s ambition and experimental nature make it a noteworthy entry for fans of both sports dramas and psychological horror.
Him is scheduled to open in theaters on September 19, 2025, where it is expected to attract audiences interested in this innovative combination of genres, as well as admirers of Marlon Wayans’ evolving career.
“In Him, Wayans is wildly charismatic and self-assured but earnestly unsettled, warm yet threatening, and wildly chaotic on a dime. It’s an incredible performance that deserves wide discussion.” ?Anonymous Critic
