Him Review

Let me start by saying that this film was one of my most anticipated films of 2025. When I heard that Marlon Wayans was going to be able to flex his acting abilities in a horror/Thriller film PRODUCED by Jordan Peele I was excited. However, the final product wasn't what I was expecting it to be.

Cameron Cade (played by Tyriq Withers) is an inspiring football player who hopes to make it to the leagues as he grew up looking up to his idol Isaiah White (played by Marlon Wayans). When Cameron goes down with a career ending head injury he is sent to train with his idol Isaiah White at his compound where he discovers his idol is hiding very dark secret that might change his perception of him.

Tyriq Withers and Marlon Wayans are absolutely phenomenal. Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White is funny but not in a way that will make you laugh. Isaiah is very unnerving and a lot of times it's hard to get a read on what he's thinking because he's so sheltered and at times psychotic. There is a scene involving Cameron where he thinks he is seeing things and I'm not too sure if we got an answer as to why but if would have been nice if 20 more minutes was added to this film to flesh out Isaiah and explain certain things fans had questions about.

There have been a lot of cult like films over the past few years from: Midsommar, Opus and I guess you can throw Him in the mix too. Maybe I need to re-watch this film to see if my opinion changes but some things just didn't feel fleshed out enough for me. The performances are great and the idea of “selling your soul" to accomplish your dreams is a great idea, but I think it would have been just as great to have to audience and Cameron sympathize with Isaiah because of his injury before we see his downward spiral and final confrontation with Cameron.

Once again this film was NOT directed or written by Jordan Peele. He was only the producer, he had no hand in crafting the script or even directing the film. The biggest mistake with this film is that not only was the entire marketing of this film catering to Jordan Peele but it feels like they barely scratches the surface with the overall message. The Score is haunting, soundtrack slaps, cinematography is great and Tyriq Withers/Marlon Wayans both give great performances.

My two gripes with the film: the final fight is very underwhelming and Isaiah White feels underdeveloped as a character. It's alluded to that Isaiah is depressed and that his career ending injury had an effect on his mental health which sent him into a downward spiral we see in the film. While, that is all well and good we don't see any of his past other than what we are told through dialogue. The critics who dogged this film are absolutely wrong. While, Him isn't a mind blowing horror film about sacrificing your morals for your dreams it does leave you wanting more considering somethings are left either unanswered or just leaves you scratching your head in confusion.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️½