Camille Wallace
DJMS Practicum Student
SPOILER ALERT!!
The new film “Him”, which has generated high anticipation, takes a fresh and interesting spin on the sacrifice of success.
“Him” is a film about a young man, Cameron Wade, chasing the dream of becoming football’s next big superstar — and the disturbingly gruesome path he takes to get there.
Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, the film leaned heavily on Peele’s name in its marketing.
His involvement in producing the film was prominently featured in every trailer, poster, and social post, drawing audiences into theaters with the promise of another mind-bending movie. It certainly worked, but “Him” is a very different beast compared to Peele’s previous work, “NOPE.”
While the new film has received much hype, according to Variety.com, it initially underperformed in sales, grossing only $400,000 from 25 markets upon its release. While that can change, it’s safe to say that the film, depending on who you ask, isn’t “all that and a bag of chips.”
In this film, Marlon Wayans takes a surprisingly dramatic turn as Isaiah White, a legendary quarterback for the Saviors, who trains the upcoming football player Wade. Known more for his comedic roles, Wayans brings surprising depth and emotional weight to the screen — a reminder that his range is often underestimated.
His performance is intense, layered, and just unsettling enough to stick with you. Tyriq Withers plays Wade, the young quarterback fresh off a phenomenal college career and poised to enter the pro ranks.
Early in the film, we learn that Cameron’s father has raised him with a ruthless standard of greatness built entirely around football. When his father suddenly passes away during a pivotal moment in his life, the loss sends him into a psychological freefall, and you’ll see how that shows up again towards the end of the movie.
The phrase “No guts, no glory” is repeated throughout the film—a motto meant to inspire, but which gradually transforms into something far darker. This becomes a symbolic thread that weaves together football, spirituality, masculinity, and ambition, creating a tense atmosphere where it becomes increasingly difficult to discern whether Cameron is being haunted by his grief, pressured by the system, or possessed by something far more literal.
“Him” is not your average sports movie. It doesn’t glorify the game — it interrogates it. Through its horror and psychological thriller elements, it raises significant questions about the cost of success and the cult-like devotion many athletes are inducted into.
At times, the film leans into body horror in ways that are difficult to watch — think sweat, blood, ritual, and sacrifice — but it’s all part of a metaphor that asks: What does it cost to be greatest in this system?
The film is also full of visual symbolism, from locker rooms that look like altars to on-field moments that feel more like spiritual awakenings (or possessions). The cinematography leans into the tension between the divine and the grotesque — the stadium becomes both a church and a coliseum.
For some viewers, these visuals may come off as over-the-top or heavy-handed, but if you buy into the film’s mythical nature, it delivers a thought-provoking experience.
With that being said, not everything hits the mark. The pacing lags in the middle, and the surreal moments occasionally drift into confusion rather than clarity. Some of the side characters feel underdeveloped, and the film’s commentary, while bold, doesn’t always dig as deep as it could.
If you’re looking for a clear, linear story, “Him” will lose you — but if you’re interested in films that leave you unsettled and thinking long after the credits roll, it’s worth your time.
Unfortunately for me, I didn’t go into this movie blind — I had already seen trailers and breakdowns online, which spoiled a few key reveals. If you’re planning to see it, I’d recommend avoiding spoilers as much as possible to enjoy it thoroughly. The mystery and descent into madness are integral to what makes the film effective.
In the end, “Him” is a bold, messy, and memorable take on sports, sacrifice, and what it means to chase greatness in a world where glory is often reserved for those willing to lose everything — even themselves.
