MOVIE REVIEW | HIM – From Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, HIM arrives with pedigree—directed by Justin Tipping and headlined by Marlon Wayans in a dramatic turn alongside rising star Tyriq Withers. Marketed as a horror thriller that explores fame, power, and the sacrifices demanded of greatness, the film promises a chilling descent into ambition gone awry.
The premise is strong: young quarterback Cameron Cade (Withers) accepts an invitation to train under his idol, legendary QB1 Isaiah White (Wayans), at a secluded compound. What begins as an opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare, complete with strange rituals, disturbing visions, and a sinister unraveling of mentor-protégé bonds.
But while the ingredients are there, the execution falters.
The story leans heavily into surreal horror elements—monsters, occult symbolism, and stylized rituals—that don’t always mesh with the grounded sports-drama foundation. Instead of heightening the tension, these shifts often feel disjointed, leaving the narrative confused about what it wants to be: horror, fantasy, drama, or action.
As a fan of horror, I had no issue with the genre trappings themselves. The problem lies in their uneven integration with the themes of sacrifice and ambition. At its best, HIM hints at a sharp allegory about the cost of success in sports and celebrity culture. At its worst, it drifts into silliness that undermines the story’s emotional weight.
In the end, HIM is ambitious but uneven. While Wayans impresses in a rare dramatic role and Withers shows promise, the film never fully connects its ideas into a cohesive or truly frightening whole.
Verdict: A bold swing that doesn’t quite land—HIM will intrigue some, but may leave horror fans and sports drama enthusiasts alike wanting more.
HIM – 2 October, 2025.
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MOVIE REVIEW | HIM
@UniversalPicsAU
Rating
Aaron: 3 / 10 “Ambitious but uneven, HIM fumbles its mix of sports drama and horror.“
Zak: 3 / 10 “Strong performances can’t save HIM from its confused mix of genres”
Synopsis:
Genre: Horror Thriller
Cast: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Guapdad 4000, Tierra Whack
Director: Justin Tipping
Screenplay by: Zack Akers & Skip Bronkie
Producers: Ian Cooper, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Jamal M. Watson
From Oscar® winner Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw Productions, producers of the landmark horror films Get Out, Us, Candyman and Nope, comes a blood-chilling journey into the inner sanctum of fame, power and the pursuit of excellence at any cost.
From an acclaimed Black List screenplay by Zack Akers & Skip Bronkie (creators of the sci-fi crime series Limetown), HIM centers on a promising young football player, invited to train at the isolated compound of a dynasty team’s aging QB1.
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Marlon Wayans stars in an electrifying dramatic role as the legendary quarterback, and former college athlete Tyriq Withers (I Know What You Did Last Summer, Atlanta) plays his protégé.
The film also stars Julia Fox (Uncut Gems, No Sudden Move), Tim Heidecker (First Time Female Director, Us), comedian Jim Jefferies (The Jim Jefferies Show), and hip hop phenoms Guapdad 4000 and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack, both in their feature film debuts.
HIM is directed by Justin Tipping (Kicks, Joe vs. Carole) and is produced by Ian Cooper (Nope, Us), Jordan Peele (Nope, Get Out), Win Rosenfeld (Candyman, Lovecraft Country) and Jamal M. Watson (Hala, Sprinter) for Monkeypaw Productions and is executive produced by David Kern (The Bikeriders, Flamin’ Hot) and Monkeypaw’s Kate Oh.
Cinema Experience:
Attending the premiere of HIM at Palace Cinemas Raine Square offered an experience as boutique as the venue itself. Nestled in the heart of Perth’s CBD, the cinema makes for an ideal night out, with plenty of dining options nearby to pair with your movie plans.
The cinema space strikes a balance between comfort and intimacy. The manually reclining seats are reasonably comfortable, though not the plushest in town. The screen, while not the largest in Perth, is generously sized for the venue and delivers a crisp, clean presentation.
While this particular premiere skipped the complimentary popcorn and drinks, the candy bar was well-stocked and appealing. Highlights included a selection of choc bombs, with the coconut ice cream option being a standout indulgence.
Overall, Palace Cinemas Raine Square provides a stylish, centrally located cinema experience—perfect for those who value convenience, cleanliness, and a touch of boutique charm over sheer scale.
