Him Review: Jordan Peele presents a strange mix of sports movie and horror

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Him blends the sports and horror genres in a distinctive style. However, when exploring the more brutal aspects of football, these contrasting styles don’t always quite fit together.

Jordan Peele rose to fame with the comedy show Key & Peele and has since become a leading horror filmmaker, known for writing and directing critically acclaimed films like Get Out, Us, and Nope.

I’m really impressed with how he’s not just making his own stuff, but also helping other amazing creators get their voices heard! He’s produced some incredible projects like *Candyman*, *Monkey Man*, the recent *Twilight Zone* reboot, and *Lovecraft Country* – it’s clear he has a great eye for talent.

Jordan Peele is a producer on ‘Him,’ and Justin Tipping directed it, co-writing the script with Zack Ackers and Skip Bronkie. Despite having some intriguing concepts, the movie doesn’t quite deliver on its potential, and the ending is predictable.

What is Him about?

Tyriq Withers delivers a compelling performance as Cameron Cade, a football player raised with the belief that toughness and self-sacrifice are essential for men in the sport. His father constantly reinforces this idea with the phrase, “no guts, no glory.”

Marlon Mayans is just as dedicated as Isiah White, the incredibly talented football player who led the San Antonio Saviors to eight championship wins and established a lasting dynasty.

White is getting older and starting to worry about losing his title as the best football player ever, while Cade is a young, incredibly gifted newcomer who poses a real challenge.

The beginning of Meaning Him introduces a rivalry on the football field between older and younger players, a competition that will be dramatically interrupted by a tragic event.

Isiah makes an offer Cam can’t refuse

Cam is attacked from behind by someone in a team mascot costume while he’s practicing alone late at night.

Cam lived through the attack, but it will likely take a long time for his brain to heal. Another injury like that could force him to retire.

The athlete’s mental health struggles caused him to miss his chance to join the Saviors, seemingly ending his promising career as the top prospect in the sport.

Then, White unexpectedly offers a chance for recovery – a week of training to prove his skill and start the healing process.

Cam is facing an opportunity he can’t turn down, but things get strange when the training takes place at a secluded estate owned by a man named White – it feels more like a hideout for a supervillain. To make things even stranger, the estate is swarming with devoted fans who practically worship White.

When football turns ugly

The inside of the building is even more unusual, sparsely furnished and filled with unsettling artwork and skulls. White insists on a complete break from the outside world for his new student, forbidding phones, pornography, and anything other than football practice.

I’m a huge Cam supporter, and he seems pretty straightforward – he just wants to play football. But honestly, the league under Isiah White is *rough*. It’s incredibly physical, and within just the first couple of days of practice, you see guys who are totally devoted to the team willingly take serious hits, like getting blasted in the face until they’re bleeding. It’s a tough game, to say the least.

The strange atmosphere shifts to something truly unsettling, introducing the core questions the film explores: Why did Isiah White ask Cameron Cade to visit, what secrets are hidden within his house, and what’s the meaning behind his frequent trips to watch old tapes?

The movie starts strong with intriguing mysteries, revealed through hints from a talkative, unreliable doctor and repeated allusions to sacrifice and bloodshed. However, the plot becomes confusing with visions and hallucinations meant to mislead the audience.

After the first few days, things start to feel a little samey. White keeps acting strangely, Cam gets increasingly confused, and then White does even *more* strange things – it just becomes a pattern.

When the truth is finally shown towards the end, it’s probably what you expected all along, which can be a little disappointing.

Is Him good?

This movie explores big ideas about how sports have become a modern religion, with athletes treated like gods. It’s a strong critique of American football, particularly focusing on the serious issue of brain injuries and the racial inequalities between those in power and the players themselves.

While the film raises interesting ideas, they aren’t explored very deeply. This is because it’s primarily a horror movie, and intense violence and disturbing imagery often overshadow any attempts at meaningful drama.

Perhaps mixing horror with sports was a misguided attempt by Tipping and Peele. When the film focuses on scares, it feels similar to movies like ‘Society’ or ‘The Substance,’ aiming to make a statement about issues like age, class, and, in this case, race.

However, when the film veers into territory reminiscent of the weakest *Karate Kid* installment – *Karate Kid 3* – its promising concepts are abandoned, preventing it from fully realizing its potential.

Him score: 2/5

Him is a visually striking and ambitious movie with strong performances by Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans. However, it demonstrates that some types of film just don’t mix well together.

The movie “Him” will be released in the US on September 19, 2025, and in the UK on October 3. If you’re looking for great movies to watch, check out our lists of the best horror and sports films ever made.

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2025-09-18 19:20