HIM Tackles Hero Worship and the Body Horror of Football in Brutal Fashion (Review)

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The excitement, sense of community, and even a primal attraction to conflict, combined with the physical toll on athletes who entertain us, create a fascinating basis for a horror story. Justin Tipping’s film, *HIM*, explores our almost religious devotion to football, questioning hero worship, the idea of sacrifice, and identity, all within a surreal and unsettling thriller that serves as both a warning and a strange, captivating experience.

The movie tells the story of Tyriq Withers’ summer as Cameron Cade, a promising young quarterback whose life is filled with hardship. He comes from a family completely consumed by professional football – a connection that proves to be disturbing as the story unfolds. Cam and those closest to him live by the Southern motto of “God, Family, Football,” and his entire life revolves around becoming the greatest football player of all time.

Cam looks up to Isaiah White (played by Marlon Wayans), who is a legendary quarterback and eight-time champion for the San Antonio Saviors. Isaiah overcame a serious injury to become the greatest player of all time, and Cam is using his story as inspiration as he prepares for the scouting combine.

A devastating injury almost breaks Cam, leaving him overwhelmed by uncertainty about his future. Just when he thinks his goals are out of reach, he gets a surprising opportunity: training with Isaiah at a secluded facility, with the chance to join the Saviors. But this dream quickly turns into a disturbing ordeal as Cam battles his own inner demons and uncovers the troubling truths behind Isaiah’s achievements. He realizes that success comes at a cost, and it’s a price he’s unwilling to pay.

Even after seeing trailers and short clips from *HIM*, it was difficult to figure out what kind of movie it was. Was it a mind-bending thriller, a story about a devoted group, or a straight-up horror film? It turns out it’s a blend of all three, leaning more into horror depending on how you look at it. The film is full of religious symbolism, exploring ideas of intense fandom and the ‘chosen one’ trope – someone destined to save or lead others. The title itself hints at a longing to be *that* person – the one everyone admires, wants to emulate, or, well, wants to be with. Think classic good looks, wealth, and a huge fanbase – the usual signs of success.

I’ve been thinking a lot about power dynamics after watching this film, and it really struck me that the real power players aren’t the athletes themselves. They’re the ones calling the shots from the luxury boxes, the people with the money. This movie, *HIM*, brilliantly explores how professional sports increasingly treats athletes as commodities – not just their physical bodies, but their entire image. It feels incredibly relevant today, as the line between athlete and social media influencer gets thinner and thinner. The film centers on Isaiah, a truly gifted but deeply flawed character. He’s constantly in the spotlight, yet somehow remains utterly unseen, battling to stay at the top while seemingly losing himself in the process. It’s a powerful and unsettling portrait.

Football defines everything about this man, which is heartbreaking as it’s clearly time for him to retire. Marlon Wayans delivers an incredible performance, seamlessly shifting between roles – a focused mentor, a wise storyteller, a demanding coach, and a man falling apart. He expertly blends his well-known comedic talent with surprisingly dark and intense dramatic moments. There are times when his acceptance of violence and strange actions is genuinely unsettling.

It’s easy to wonder why Cam doesn’t just walk away, but there are two key reasons. He’s incredibly gifted, and his life is completely consumed by his talent, much like the biblical Isaiah. Plus, he’s become too entangled in the plans of powerful figures. Tyriq Withers does a great job portraying Cam as an attractive, seemingly well-adjusted young man focused on his future. However, as you learn more about his choices and how cut off he is from his family, you begin to see a hidden side. Beneath the surface lies a growing anger and frustration that, without healthy outlets, transforms him into something unexpected as he strives to become the best.

The film cleverly uses the symbolism of goats. In religious contexts, goats are often sacrificed as a means of atonement – similar to the story of Jesus’s sacrifice in the Bible. This is a fitting detail, considering Cam’s team is called “The Saviors.” It’s a subtle but brilliant layer of meaning in the movie.

Justin Tipping skillfully balances the intensity of a sports epic with the suspense of a psychological thriller. The film uses visual choices to both guide the audience’s emotions and leave room for individual interpretation. *HIM* uniquely combines football action, unsettling body horror, and themes of faith, offering a fresh perspective on the physicality of the game thanks to the stunning cinematography of Kira Kelly (known for *Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings*).

We all fear death and hidden truths, but the true horror lies in something more modern: being built up by a complex system only to be destroyed when you inevitably fail. What parts of yourself are you willing to sacrifice, hold onto, or completely erase to achieve success? And ultimately, is that success worth the cost?

The movie expertly balances quiet, unsettling scenes with the exciting energy of football. While the climax, a showdown between a mentor and student, feels a little hurried, and the ending leaves some loose ends, it’s typical for a film from Monkeypaw Productions. Despite the desire for more, the movie feels complete and satisfying, like a full, multi-course meal.

Let’s talk about the actors – Tyriq and Marlon both looked fantastic! Their physical fitness really enhanced the viewing experience. They clearly worked incredibly hard, getting into amazing shape and perfecting their movements to convincingly portray professional quarterbacks. They absolutely nailed it.

Ultimately, *HIM* is a gripping story that explores the dark side of football and the dangerous consequences of unchecked power and adoration.

HIM ⭐ (4.5 of 5)

HIM sprints to theaters on September 19.

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2025-09-18 08:04