No Spoilers
Jordan Peele has built his name on turning horror into cultural conversation, and with HIM, directed by Justin Tipping, that tradition continues.
The film is exciting from start to finish, delivering the kind of suspenseful buildup and explosive climax that too many modern horror films lack. It’s like being on a roller coaster: the slow climb keeps your stomach in knots, but once you reach the top, the ride down is exhilarating, and HIM thrives in that space.
The story itself feels packed, sometimes even chaotic, with layers of symbolism and thematic weight. At its core is the extreme concept of a ritual for success as a quarterback, an idea clearly heightened for the cameras but one that sparks real-world questions.
What wild, unseen sacrifices do people make to reach the pinnacle of their fields? The film cleverly invites audiences to expand that question beyond sports, to consider politicians, entertainers, and even CEOs.
The heart of the movie lies in the chemistry between Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers. Their characters mirror real-life dynamics: a seasoned legend and a rising star desperate to follow in his footsteps. The tension between them, part admiration, part rivalry, grounds the film’s more surreal and bloody moments.
Withers, in particular, emerges as a standout, delivering a performance that makes him one of Hollywood’s rising stars to watch.
Visually, the film shines. The sets are rich with detail, reflecting the opulence of a legendary quarterback’s world while also hinting at the darkness within it. When the horror elements hit, they hit hard—the gore doesn’t hold back. At times, it’s as relentless as other recent genre entries, keeping audiences both on edge and watching through their hands.
Much of the film’s staying power comes from its layers of symbolism, moments you’ll catch only after rewatches, or after scrolling through threads dissecting its hidden meanings online.
The writing also deserves praise: football language is woven throughout, but it’s never alienating. Even non-sports fans can connect with the dialogue, which often feels like a life coach rallying you toward victory. Wayans’ monologues, in particular, are raw, honest, and gritty.
HIM isn’t perfect; its story sometimes tries to juggle too much at once, but the ambition pays off more often than not.
With gripping performances, smart social touches, and unflinching horror, it’s a film that keeps you entertained while also making you think. HIM asks the big question: What are you willing to sacrifice to truly win?
