Jordan Peele horror producer’s latest project, the film “Him,” was released recently and has sparked divided opinions among critics. The movie, centered around the brutal world of football, blends horror with deep social themes but has drawn criticism for its writing despite strong visuals and performances.
A Visually Striking and Emotionally Charged Football Horror
“Him,” directed by Justin Tipping, is both a visually daring and conceptually ambitious take on horror fused with sports drama. The story follows Cam, an aspiring football player drawn into a dark, corrupt system that exploits athletes. The film uses kinetic imagery to capture the intensity and violence of football, immersing viewers in the physicality and chaos of the sport.
Scenes like Cam’s devastating head-on collision, which transitions into a graphic x-ray visualization of brain trauma, underscore the film’s commitment to showcasing the brutal consequences of the game. These moments of body horror intensify as the story progresses, blending physical danger with an increasingly eerie atmosphere.
At the center of the narrative is Isaiah, portrayed by Marlon Wayans, whose character serves as a chilling antagonist embodying the costs of fame and success. Wayans delivers a complex performance, balancing charisma and menace to illustrate Isaiah’s tragic embrace of suffering as a necessary price for stardom.
Tyriq Withers plays Cam, whose quieter, more restrained portrayal contrasts with Isaiah’s intensity. His portrayal evokes a quarterback who treads carefully between vulnerability and steely resilience, highlighting the pressures faced by black athletes in America’s sports culture.
The film also surfaces critical conversations, such as how black quarterbacks must perform exceptionally to be recognized as capable within the league, intertwining themes of race, legacy, and systemic inequality with the sports narrative.
The Film’s Ambitious Themes and Complex Social Commentary
“Him” attempts to address numerous weighty topics within its under-100-minute runtime, some of which are conveyed more effectively than others. The introduction of a demonic cult element feels at times convoluted, adding ambiguity that detracts from the core story focused on Cam and Isaiah’s relationship.
Nonetheless, this supernatural aspect functions as a metaphor for the exploitative “deal with the devil” that athletes make when sacrificing their futures to powerful sports franchises and owners. The film culminates in a violent, defiant stand against those who profit from players’ pain and sacrifice.
The narrative is rooted in exploring questions around race, power, fame, and personal legacy, using football as a stage to reflect on broader American cultural dynamics. Cam’s aspiration to become the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) ties into the mythos of the American dream while revealing the pressures imposed by previous generations and institutional forces seeking to control individual destinies.
A pivotal moment reveals that Cam’s father entered into a sinister pact to secure his son’s success, underscoring a cycle where fathers push sons into predetermined paths and leagues perpetuate this legacy for profit. This thematic undercurrent links the systemic exploitation within sports with personal and familial struggles, highlighting the recurring cost of ambition.
Balancing Strengths and Flaws in a Divisive Film
The primary critique of “Him” lies in its overextended ambitions, juggling too many ideas without fully resolving them. A tighter narrative focus might have enhanced clarity and impact, yet the film’s willingness to engage with complex reflections makes it more compelling than many of its detractors suggest.
Despite narrative flaws, the film stands out for its captivating visuals and strong acting performances. These elements elevate it beyond a typical horror movie, providing a spectacle that delivers both thrills and thoughtful commentary. The portrayal of the cycle of abuse endemic to professional sports resonates deeply, especially for audiences attuned to the passion and pain inherent in competitive athletics.
For sports aficionados and horror enthusiasts alike, the movie offers a unique blend of philosophical ideas and genre elements, though it does not completely succeed in its execution. Nonetheless, the film sparks important discussions about the intersections of race, fame, and exploitation within America’s most popular sport.
This divisive reception highlights the challenges of blending multiple genres and tackling complex themes within limited runtime, but it also marks “Him” as a noteworthy addition to the repertoire of Jordan Peele horror producer projects. Its bold approach suggests further exploration of similar stories blending sports and horror could continue.
