Him (2025) - Film Critique

      **Him, 2025.**

      Directed by Justin Tipping.

      Featuring Tyriq Withers, Marlon Wayans, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Guapdad 4000, Tierra Whack, Maurice Greene, Don Benjamin, Indira G. Wilson, GiGi Erneta, Esodie Geiger, Kiara Gomez Glad Bak, Naomi Grossman, and Jermaine Washington.

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      A young athlete plunges into a terrifying realm after receiving an invitation to train with a renowned champion whose charm deteriorates into something sinister. While being assessed for head trauma, aspiring quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) is barred from participating in the forthcoming draft combine by his doctor. He dismisses the restriction, jokingly asking if they would clear him based on their admiration for football. This moment is one of many that sets the tone for director Justin Tipping’s *Him* (co-written by podcasters Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie), which serves as a harsh critique not only of the NFL and the unrealistic pressures players impose on themselves to endure dangerous conditions like CTE but also raises moral questions for average fans, like myself, who wake up at 11 AM on Sundays to manage fantasy football lineups, cheering or cursing players while prioritizing their performance over their safety.

      At times, it's easy to get lost in the sport's entertainment value and overlook its unforgiving nature (as numerous players get injured during a single game week after week). This aligns with the film's and characters' gladiatorial comparisons, which, although somewhat obvious, hint at promise and potential. The essence of *Him* is that it's filled with intriguing concepts that quickly unravel, much like the Chicago Bears when the 4th quarter commences.

      Nonetheless, Cameron seeks to emulate his hero, veteran quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans’ underutilized return to drama, despite his awkwardly cultish performance being the film’s strongest element), who is contemplating retirement after being the star of the Saviors (the team's name is an overt metaphor). His absence from the combine has negatively impacted his draft prospects, but circumstances shift when Isaiah decides to train a protégé in his secluded compound, surrounded by fervent fans unwilling to let their GOAT retire. This element, like others in the film, feels underdeveloped, culminating in a perplexing conclusion that seems more focused on shock value and cheap scares than any meaningful commentary.

      Structured around distinct training days acting as chapters, Isaiah subjects Cameron to an increasingly hostile and perilous series of tests. At one point, “free agents” appear to partake in the drills, willing to risk their bodies to enhance Cameron's chances of becoming a deserving successor. The overarching theme of these challenges is to obliterate the person Cameron once was, allowing him to fully commit to greatness and football. This also extends to hurting those close to him, including cheating on his high school girlfriend, a notion encouraged and expedited by Isaiah’s stylish wife, Elsie (Julia Fox). Her attire, notably a metallic dress with flashing lights at one point, may be the film's standout feature.

      The majority of *Him* explores various hallucinogenic and experimental jump scares and violence that stray far from the film's potential message. By the time it reaches its gruesome blood-soaked finale (which touches on racial dynamics involving predominantly white team owners profiting off Black expectations and pressures, but does so too late), viewers are jolted awake by striking visuals, like a blood geyser splattering against field-goal posts. Much like the organization of the Chicago Bears, *Him* proves to be a chaotic mess that squanders its committed performances and solid production values.

      **Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★**

      Robert Kojder