Director: Justin Tipping
Starring: Tyriq Withers, Marlon Wayans, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Don Benjamin and Jim Jefferies
1h 36m
"HIM", a new film directed by Justin Tipping, which filmmaker Jordan Peele produced, arrives with a slick aesthetic that explores the inherent connection between the brutality of sports and horror stories. The film builds a compelling atmosphere around the intense mentality of elite-level athletes; however, while visually striking with its construction, the narrative steps out of bounds on its way to the endzone, favoring style over substance. Despite the standout performances from its lead actors, an intense Marlon Wayans steals the show throughout; "HIM" builds its ideas on the shoulders of rich horror characteristics, but ultimately doesn't have much to say in the end.
The film centers on Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), a talented young quarterback whose promising future is abruptly jeopardized by a career-threatening injury. Still wanting to make an impact, Cam accepts an invitation to train at the compound of his hero, Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), an aging eight-time championship quarterback whose legendary status has earned him the moniker "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time). What begins as a mentorship quickly spirals into a dark, isolated, and disorienting journey. Cam uncovers the sacrifices demanded by the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Director Justin Tipping composes "HIM" with undeniable style; it functions at moments like a highlight reel with perfect beat drops and flashy camera moves in the vein of a Hype Williams hip-hop video from the late 90s. The narrative broadly establishes a metaphor around the brutality of sports, particularly football, positioning it as a sports spectacle that often borders on the horrific, as examined in one scene showing the grotesque results of competition on the lower extremities. "HIM" highlights the physical abuse of athletics, the consistent pressure to perform at the highest degree, and the combative nature of the game, where the players' mentality for winning is a battle of life and death.
"HIM" excels prominently with its striking visuals and performances from its two lead actors, Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers, both combining a sense of coolness and chaos that makes their sports personas feel genuine. Director of Photography Kira Kelly's work creates a visually slick and vivid sports experience, while Wayans delivers an electrifying and increasingly unsettling performance. The blend of football highlights, religious iconography, and occult musings creates a strong visual impression. Still, ultimately, they are just tools that attempt to add mystery to the narrative, which never quite knows what it is trying to be or say.
Unfortunately, "HIM" gets lost in its own stylistic ambitions, sacrificing substance for spectacle with a narrative that feels confused and empty of any voice. The initially strong themes lose their impact as the plot veers into a nightmarish fever dream for the emerging football star. The story becomes increasingly abstract and confused, pushing to the goal line ending that showcases a bizarre cult ritual, but mostly highlighting how striking bright red blood can look against pure white outfits. Again, the style of "HIM" is the captain of this team.
"HIM" boasts undeniably intense yet amusing imagery, which ultimately overshadows its narrative and thematic depth. While it begins with a strong premise and visual impact, the film struggles to maintain its grasp on what it's trying to convey, leaving a void where a deeper examination of the dark side of sports could have been explored.
Monte's Rating
2.00 out of 5.00
