Him Review: The First Bold Sports Horror or Just Hype?

Him Review: When I first heard about Him, it instantly grabbed my attention. A sports horror movie? Not a slasher with athletes in the background, but a full-blown story where football is at the core? That’s rare. And honestly, that alone got me into a seat opening weekend. What followed was a mix of excitement, frustration, and appreciation—because while Him is bold and visually striking, it’s also messy.

My Rating: 2.0/5

Field	Details
Title	Him
Year	2025
Genre	Sports horror, psychological thriller, drama
Director	Justin Tipping
Principal Cast	Marlon Wayans (Isaiah White), Tyreek Withers (Cameron Cade)
Setting/Sport	American football (NFL world)
Language	English
Country	United States
Runtime	1h 36m

Background of the Film

Funny little detail: this movie was originally called The Goat. Sony shut that down quick since they’ve got their own animated movie coming with the same title. So, the team switched it to Him. Once you know that, it makes sense why the word “goat” keeps getting thrown around throughout the film.

And make no mistake, this really is the first mainstream sports horror film. Sure, you can Google up odd indie films like “zombie soccer,” but Him is the first one backed by a studio and given a wide theatrical release.

The Creative Team

This film is directed by Justin Tipping, not Jordan Peele. But you wouldn’t know that from the marketing. The trailers love flashing Peele’s name, and audiences walk in thinking he wrote or directed it—just like the whole Candyman situation years ago. He’s just a producer here, but that “Peele effect” still carries weight.

And to give credit where it’s due, Justin Tipping clearly has vision. The man knows how to stage a shot. Even when the story gets shaky, the film looks and feels like someone hungry to make a mark.

Cast Performances

• Tyreek Withers (Cameron Cade): He sells the struggle of a rising NFL player who’s been sidelined by injury. Determined but vulnerable, Withers carries the emotional side of the film.
• Marlon Wayans (Isaiah White): The mentor figure—and honestly, the movie’s MVP.
• Supporting cast fills the locker room and fan world, but they’re mostly background players.

What Worked in the Film

• Visual Storytelling: The film thrives visually. Long sequences play out with just music and movement, almost like a music video at times. That style is what keeps you glued even when the script loses steam.
• Turning Football Into Horror: From deranged fans to terrifying training drills, the film finds unsettling ways to twist familiar sports culture. Imagine a scene where a player is repeatedly pelted with footballs until he bleeds—sounds absurd, but it’s one of the film’s most chilling moments.

Marlon Wayans’ Standout Performance

This is where Him shines. Wayans proves again that he can handle serious roles (Requiem for a Dream is still proof of that). He toggles between charm and menace so effortlessly. One minute, he’s cracking jokes, the next he’s pushing Cameron Cade into darker, questionable territory. Without Wayans, this film would have crumbled.

The Horror Elements

• Deranged fandom: The blurred line between admiration and obsession.
• Training sequences: Physical torment dressed up as mentorship.
• Imagery: From painted fans to claustrophobic gyms, the film mines football culture for nightmare fuel.

But here’s the catch—the scares never fully escalate. It hovers more at “creepy” than “terrifying.”

Where the Film Fell Short

• Paper-Thin Storyline: At its core, it’s just: guy gets hurt, guy seeks mentor, chaos unfolds. That’s it.
• Surface-Level Metaphors: The movie keeps hammering obvious points: pressure, sacrifice, and the dangers of chasing greatness. Nothing wrong with those themes, but the film doesn’t dig deep. It stays on the surface.
• Style Over Substance: The visuals are gorgeous, but when you peel that back, you realize there’s not much story underneath.

Comparisons and Inspirations

For me, Whiplash is the gold standard of “how far will you push yourself to be great?” movies. It’s not horror, but it has that same intensity and darkness. Him tries to capture that vibe but stumbles because it leans too much on metaphors instead of strong writing.

The Mixed Bag of Tone

Here’s the balancing act: Marlon Wayans’ comedy actually works—but it also shifts the mood. Some people will love that relief; others will feel it undercuts the tension. Personally, I didn’t mind the laughs, but I could see horror purists rolling their eyes.

Audience Reactions

• Critics: More likely to admire the cinematography and performances.
• Casual viewers: Might get bored by the pacing and thin story.
• Sports fans: Some will love seeing football twisted into horror. Others might feel it’s a gimmick.

My Viewing Experience

Walking into this, I had high hopes. The trailer looked stylish, the premise was unique, and Marlon Wayans in a serious role had me sold. But halfway through, I started to feel that nagging sense: “Okay, but where is this all going?”

By the time the final act hit, I realized I was more impressed with the craft than the story. It’s the kind of movie I respect more than I enjoy.

Pros and Cons of Him (2025)

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Conclusion

Him is a film I wanted to love. It’s bold, unique, and visually impressive. But when the credits rolled, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it left too much on the field. If you’re curious, it might be worth a watch on streaming. But for most people, I’d say skip the theater trip.

FAQs

1. Is Him really the first sports horror movie?
Yes, at least on a mainstream level. Indie oddities exist, but this is the first studio-backed, wide-release horror film with sports as its core.

2. Did Jordan Peele direct Him?
No, Justin Tipping directed it. Peele is only a producer, though the marketing plays up his name.

3. Is Him more sports drama or horror?
It’s a blend. It leans heavier on style, visuals, and creepy football metaphors than outright scares.

4. How scary is Him?
Not very. It’s unsettling and creepy, but don’t expect jump scares or nightmares.

5. Should I watch Him in theaters or wait for streaming?
Unless you’re really into the concept, it’s safe to wait for streaming. The visuals are nice on a big screen, but the story won’t lose much at home.