Glory or Damnation?
Him (2025) sets up a bold concept: a young star quarterback, Cameron Cade, gets attacked by a deranged fan and loses his shot at the NFL. Then he’s miraculously recruited by Isaiah White, a football legend, to train at a secret desert compound. Sounds like the start of an intense, psychological sports-horror hybrid, right? But sadly, that promise quickly deflates. What could have been a unique fusion of cult horror and gridiron glory becomes a confused, shallow mess.
Where Are We Going?
Justin Tipping directs a film that feels like a two-hour trailer. The first act drags with moody stares and vague symbolism. The middle tries to get weird and intense, but never pushes far enough. The climax dumps a barrage of chaotic action and half-baked reveals all at once, with little to no buildup. You keep waiting for the movie to commit to either horror, sports drama, or satire. It never does. Instead, it plays like an unfocused Black Mirror episode with football pads.
The Performances: Wasted Talent
Marlon Wayans plays Isaiah White with a surprisingly solid performance—equal parts cult leader, washed-up hero, and twisted mentor. Tyreek Withers as Cam does his best with what he’s given, and there are a few supporting standouts. But they’re stuck in a movie that never gives them room to explore their characters. They’re all reduced to delivering vague lines about “greatness” and “sacrifice” while looking confused.
What Works: Cool Visuals & Conceptual Promise
- Some striking costumes and set design
- Marlon Wayans proves he can do drama
- The core idea has real potential
- A few genuinely creepy moments
What Doesn’t Work: Pretty Much Everything Else
- Weak script with no follow-through
- Shallow symbolism that goes nowhere
- No real scares or tension
- Half-baked cult and demonic themes
- Uninspired editing and pacing
- Abrupt, unsatisfying ending
TheBigBois Reactions
Alex felt tricked by the marketing and was bored out of his mind. Zach thought the themes were there, but barely scratched. Dustin appreciated the core idea but called it a “student film with a budget.” Everyone agreed: it doesn’t deliver as a horror movie, a sports movie, or a message-driven social commentary.
Spoiler Section (⚠️): All Hype, No Payoff
- Cam is attacked pre-draft by a crazed fan with a warhammer, giving him brain trauma.
- Isaiah White offers to train him at a cult-like desert facility.
- Isaiah injects him with his own blood, part of a ritual to pass down the title of “GOAT.”
- A vague conspiracy of NFL owners is revealed—they’re devil-worshippers who treat players like disposable gods.
- Cam kills Isaiah in a symbolic fight for football supremacy.
- A demonic force randomly appears at the end, exploding a side character for no reason.
- Cam refuses to sign the satanic contract and goes on a murder spree against the cult.
- The movie ends with lots of gore, zero resolution, and a glowing helmet.
Should You Watch It?
No. Even if you’re curious, wait for streaming. It doesn’t satisfy as a horror film, sports drama, or commentary on fame. There’s style but no substance. You’ll be checking your watch by the halfway point.
Style Over Substance, Message Over Story
Him wants to say something about sports culture, hero worship, and the dark side of greatness. But it buries that under clunky visuals, confusing scenes, and undercooked worldbuilding. If you want powerful sports horror, this ain’t it.
HIM: Wasted potential. Strong performances can’t save a script that fumbles every theme it tries to tackle. This is one game you should sit out. – Asmodeus