“HIM,” directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Monkeypaw Productions, famed writer and director Jordan Peele’s production company, is a classic thriller, perfect for football and horror fans alike. The film stars Tyriq Withers, most recently seen in the 2025 “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” as Cameron Cade, the star quarterback.
Cade suffers a career-threatening injury after being attacked by a crazed fan. Cade is then offered the opportunity of a lifetime when Isaiah White, played by Marlon Wayans, Cade’s idol and a legendary quarterback, offers to train Cade at his private, isolated compound. The training’s intensity increases and soon enough, Cade finds himself questioning White’s extreme and disturbing methods. In the end, Cade may end up having to sacrifice more than he ever imagined to become the greatest quarterback of all time.
“All the ingredients are present for an intriguing film, but it feels a little undercooked … the desire to maintain an opaque level of ambiguity hurts the story,” one commenter on Rotten Tomatoes said.
“HIM” has received very mixed reviews since its theatrical release on September 19, 2025. However, the essence of a good film lies in its central trial, and the “hero’s journey” the main character undergoes. Tipping masterfully tells the story, exploring the complex relationship between Cade and White and the heavy cost of fame. However, the ending feels incomplete. “HIM” leaves viewers with an unnecessary question about the future of the characters, which is a common critique of the film. Open-ended conclusions can encourage deeper reflection. However, in a film so rich and psychologically intricate, the lack of narrative clarity hinders the story.
While criticisms of this movie are persistent, football fans can still appreciate the atmosphere and concept of the story. The flashing lights and exciting plays are engaging for any audience member, especially those already immersed in the world of football. While the concept of risking everything for the game is, of course, dramatized significantly in the film, this theme is prevalent in the real world and can be just as dangerous for athletes as depicted in “HIM.” The film is a stark reminder of how easy it is to fall into a dangerous spiral, with a sport as an individual’s only identity. “HIM” warns the viewer of this artfully.
The film brings racial prejudice and systemic racism to life, both in the movie and off the screen. “HIM” highlights the complex relationship between the players and team owners and how it can be perceived in a racial light. This is shown through the two main players in the film being Black and the owners of the fictitious professional football team being white.
“HIM is a scathing critique of how professional sports capitalize upon the bodies and minds of Black athletes,” Neda Ulaby writes in a review of “HIM” for NPR.
The dynamic is dramatized in the film, with the owners attempting to persuade Cade to participate in demonic sacrifice in order to continue the legacy of the team. While this is, of course, an extreme take, it brings to light a real issue in the sport. While football, and the NFL specifically, used to be made up of predominantly white players, the league is now predominantly Black. However, Black athletes now make up the majority of athletes playing more dangerous positions, such as running back and linebacker. On the other hand, white athletes have continued to dominate roles such as punter and quarterback, positions known to be less dangerous and, in the case of quarterbacks, much higher paying.
“Even though the majority are Black players, they’re still getting the short end of the stick,” said Utah State sociology professor Guadalupe Marquez-Velarde.
The film’s message connects deeply to issues seen throughout modern sports, where players are controlled and shaped by the leagues. Minorities are disproportionately affected by this. The recent shift surrounding Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals exemplify this. For years, the NCAA profited from college athletes’ labor and likeness. Exploitation was covered by the “experience,” without offering fair compensation. The film’s relevance and popularity lies in how it exposes and prompts new discussions about the darker side of sports.
“HIM” does a fantastic job of casting this issue in a stark and unsettling light. There is no doubt that this film is an uncomfortable, disturbing and very on-the-nose watch. “HIM” doesn’t beat around the bush with its intended commentary. However, critics who are complaining about its superficial or uncomfortable nature may actually have more of an issue with what the movie is saying than how it’s being said.
