Is 'Him' as bad as everyone says? Explore the controversy of the film
Him, directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, had high expectations. It was not just a bold blend of horror and sports drama; it also aimed to tackle complex themes like racism, the intense fanaticism surrounding American football, and the exploitation of athletes. With a captivating trailer released in August, the film quickly became one of the most anticipated cinema releases for the fall season.
However, the movie ultimately fell flat. Critics have labeled it one of the worst films of the year, as evidenced by its disappointing 28% positive rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. It was described as “disjointed” and “absurd”. The audience also shared similar sentiments, giving it a mere 58% in favorable reviews. Moreover, the film grossed only $13 million worldwide.
Despite the backing of Jordan Peele, the film became a laughingstock in Hollywood. Even Marlon Wayans, one of its stars, responded to the backlash with a post on his Instagram account, acknowledging the harsh reviews while encouraging viewers to form their own opinions. Nevertheless, the controversy surrounding Him seemed to intensify as the days went by.
Exploring a Chaotic Blend of Genres
Him seeks to delve into a complex issue in North America: the controversial and often violent realm of American football. In the U.S., this sport transcends mere entertainment; it is woven into the fabric of cultural identity, almost taking on a religious significance. The film posits that the devotion and fanaticism surrounding football can rival that of genuine faith, thus introducing a premise that is both peculiar and harsh. However, the film struggles to develop this idea with the depth it deserves.
The script suggests that this fanaticism goes beyond mere entertainment, framing players as modern-day martyrs. The story follows Cameron “Cam” Cade (Tyriq Withers), a young man raised in a household where football is akin to a religion. His family is fervently devoted to the San Antonio Saviors, maintaining a space in their home that serves as a shrine to the team. It seems Cam's fate was sealed from birth: to become a star athlete.
However, this atmosphere of expectation only worsens as the story unfolds. During a broadcast, when Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), hailed as the greatest quarterback in history, suffers a severe injury, Cam’s father (Don Benjamin) assures him that he, too, will achieve such greatness. This moment marks the beginning of familial pressure and the symbolic burden Cam will carry.
Him attempts to illustrate how this legacy intertwines with faith, admiration, and relentless expectations. The narrative transforms triumph into an inherited obligation, connecting Cam's personal desires with a collective mandate, where his identity becomes blurred between the dreams of others and the echoes of past successes.
Identifying the Flaws in the Narrative of ‘Him’
However, these critical insights are fleeting and often left unexplored. Him remains at a superficial level, constructing obvious metaphors that never fully develop. The message is apparent: football can become a religion for some, but the execution reduces it to a comparison devoid of nuance. Ironically, this same lack of depth reveals what the film could have been: a more intricate narrative about cult-like behavior, the violence inherent in sports, and its role in American identity. Instead, what is offered is a limited perspective, focused more on the spectacle of imagery than on a genuine analysis of the cultural obsession it addresses.
The second act of the story becomes dense and convoluted. Isaiah White, despite his grave accident, continues to dominate the field and cultivate a myth around himself. Cam grows to admire and fear this figure while striving to meet his father's expectations. However, during grueling training sessions, a head injury threatens to end his career before it even begins. The film seizes this moment to introduce the physical fragility of athletes, yet it fails to explore its real implications. The medical diagnosis is clear: continuing to play could be fatal. Nonetheless, Him dismisses the severity of this situation and focuses instead on the notion that destiny cannot be broken.
Undoubtedly, Cam embodies the struggles of countless young athletes who risk their health for the sake of a sports dream, yet the film barely grazes this issue. The injury becomes just another narrative obstacle rather than a social commentary. This decision limits the potential for a raw depiction of young athletes' vulnerability and the culture that demands their sacrifices without considering the consequences. Thus, when Cam receives an invitation to train with Isaiah at his private facility, the film shifts tone to become a terrifying scenario.
Cheap Horror in an Ambitious Concept
What initially seems like a high-level training environment soon reveals itself to be a bizarre space, laden with rituals and religious symbols. Isaiah morphs into both mentor and executioner, demanding increasingly extreme physical and mental challenges. The dark atmosphere of the setting reinforces the idea that Cam is entering a kind of cult masquerading as athletic discipline. If the film had maintained this trajectory, Him could have explored themes of manipulation, indoctrination, or psychological violence. Instead, it opts for overly obvious symbolic scenes.
There are images that allude to Christian iconography, such as the cross Cam wears around his neck or a recreation of the Last Supper during an interview session, but these references are so direct that they lose all subtlety. The film does not hide or play with the idea that Cam has entered treacherous territory, yet genuine tension never materializes because everything is excessively predictable. At this juncture, Him appears more concerned with emphasizing its metaphor than crafting a compelling narrative that genuinely captivates.
Part of the blame lies with the screenplay, co-written by Tipping along with Skip Bronkie and Zack Akers. The premise introduces multiple ideas that are never fully developed. Mysterious rites are mentioned without further explanation, demonic imagery appears without purpose, and the importance of family to Cam is frequently stated, even though we rarely see him interact with them. This inconsistency detracts from the overall storytelling.
A Conclusion That Fails to Deliver in a Major Disappointment of the Year
Even the most apparent critique—the sacrifice of the body in the name of sport—boils down to simplistic phrases. Worse still, these clichés render the entire visual presentation pretentious compared to the minimal substance the film provides. The final act, when the story spirals out of control, fails to convey clarity because it lacks a solid foundation. As a result, Him leaves viewers with the impression that essential pieces are missing to comprehend the unfolding events, while Cam appears to possess all the answers the audience is left without.
This disconnect shatters any hope for a satisfying conclusion. More than a resolution, what emerges is a visual and narrative chaos that attempts to shock through symbols but lacks genuine substance. Ultimately, a disarray devoid of logic or meaning transforms what was expected to be one of the standout horror films of the year into a mediocre and hollow work, the most regrettable point of the production.
For those interested in a deeper exploration of this film and its themes, you might find valuable insights in videos like this one:
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