Marlon Wayans, known for his work as both an actor and director in cult comedy classics, has addressed the reception of his latest film, Him, encouraging viewers to see the movie regardless of its critical reception. The new horror feature, which Wayans stars in, was released in theaters on September 19 and has generated a range of reactions.
Insight Into the Story and Production
In Him, Wayans portrays Isaiah, an eight-time Championship quarterback and cultural icon who offers mentorship to Cam, a promising young football player played by Tyriq Withers. The plot focuses on Cam’s training, during which Isaiah’s initially magnetic personality takes a darker turn, leading Cam into an unsettling and dangerous situation. The film was produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Justin Tipping, both notable figures in the horror genre.
Mixed Reviews and Wayans’ Response to Criticism
On Rotten Tomatoes, Him currently holds a 29% rating from critics and a 58% audience score. Several critics praise the movie’s visual appeal but criticize the storyline for being disjointed, shallow, and concluding unsatisfactorily. In response, Wayans took to Instagram to defend the film and express respect for critics while emphasizing the subjective nature of art and opinion.
Just to be clear, I respect critics. Their job is to critique. I respect their work. It shapes our industry,
Wayans wrote alongside images of low scores his other films also received, including White Chicks and Scary Movie.
But an opinion does not always mean it’s everyone’s opinion. Some movies are ahead of the curve. Innovation is not always embraced, and art is to be interpreted, and it’s subjective. I’ve had a career of making classic movies that weren’t critically received and those movies went on to be CLASSICS. So don’t take anyone’s opinion, just go see for yourself. Love to all. Him in theaters now.
The Film’s Place Within Wayans’ Career and Horror Genre
Wayans highlights that many of his most famous works initially met critical skepticism but eventually earned cult status, securing a lasting legacy in pop culture. This context suggests that Him could follow a similar trajectory despite early reviews. The involvement of Jordan Peele as a producer and Justin Tipping’s direction positions the film within a growing trend of innovative horror storytelling that combines psychological tension with social commentary.
Potential Future Reception and Impact
The current polarized reception of Him underscores the challenges faced by films pushing genre boundaries. While the movie presents visually striking elements and a provocative storyline about influence and space within competitive sports, its full cultural significance may take time to unfold. Marlon Wayans’ call for audiences to form their own opinions encourages viewers to engage directly with the film rather than rely solely on critics’ assessments.
