HIM (2025) Spoiler Free Review
Greatness demands sacrifice. Him is a 2025 American horror thriller film directed by Justin Tipping, co-written by Skip Bronkie, Zack Akers, and Tipping, and produced by Jordan Peele. The film was first released on September 18, 2025 in Mexico, and was released on September 19, 2025 in the United States by Universal Pictures.
Cameron Cade is a rising quarterback who suffers a potentially career-ending injury after being attacked by an unhinged fan. Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White, offers to train him at an isolated compound. However, as the training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma turns into something darker, sending Cam down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White,Tyriq Withers as Cameron “Cam” Cade, Austin Pulliam as young Cameron “Cam” Cade, Julia Fox as Elsie White, Tim Heidecker as Tom, Don Benjamin as Cam Sr., Jim Jefferies as Marco, Naomi Grossman as Marjorie, Maurice Greene as Malek, Norman Towns as Willis, Chase Garland as Ced, Guapdad 4000 as Murph, Indira G. Wilson as Yvette, Tierra Whack as Adrienne, and GiGi Erneta as Ayn.
Sports and horror don’t often collide, but HIM (2025) attempts to bring something new to the genre with a story that blends psychological tension, athletic pressure, and social commentary. Produced by Jordan Peele, the film carries an immediate sense of expectation, and while it doesn’t fully deliver on all fronts, it’s far from the disaster some early reactions suggest.
Visually, the movie is captivating. Its sharp cinematography and strong use of color and framing create a tense, almost suffocating atmosphere. Complementing the visuals is a solid soundtrack that heightens the unease and gives the film a distinct personality. The cast, too, deserves praise delivering strong, convincing performances that keep you engaged even when the story begins to falter.
Wherethe film struggles is in its ambition. It clearly wants to position itself as “elevated horror,” layering themes and symbolism over its sports-thriller foundation, but the execution isn’t as sharp as its intentions. The buildup feels promising, but by the time the film reaches its conclusion, the payoff falls flat. The story could have used more development and context to make its themes hit harder, and the ending, while not terrible, is predictable enough that it undercuts the tension built along the way.
That said, HIM isn’t nearly as bad as some critics claim. Its pacing is steady, its performances are compelling, and it carries enough intrigue to keep you invested until the end. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Jordan Peele’s Get Out (2017), a film it clearly echoes, it still offers enough originality and atmosphere to deserve a chance. For fans of psychological horror with a sporty twist, HIM may not be a masterpiece, but it’s a respectable attempt at doing something different in the genre.