HIM

Review

Date Watched: January 13, 2025
Where Watched: Streaming (Peacock)
Adaptation? No

Quick Hook (First Impression)

When I first heard about HIM, I was genuinely excited—a horror movie centered on football felt like an innovative blend of two of my favorite things, and Jordan Peele’s involvement as a producer only raised my expectations. Unfortunately, after finally watching it, I can’t remember the last time a film left me this flat-out disappointed.

Story / Concept

The story is shockingly unengaging, largely because it feels like it has almost no exposition. Key ideas are introduced but never explored, leaving the narrative hollow. The subplot involving Cam Cade’s father passing away—supposedly a central emotional pillar—never feels fleshed out enough to matter. As a result, the film never earns its emotional beats or thematic weight.

Performances

Tyriq Withers as Cam Cade struggles with a thinly written character, which makes it difficult to fully fault his performance. Marlon Wayans’ Isiah White, however, is particularly grating. While the intent seems to be portraying a dark, unhinged mentor figure shaped by the sacrifices required to be “the GOAT,” the execution comes off as hokey and unintentionally ridiculous rather than creepy or charismatic.

Pacing / Flow

The training sequences that dominate much of the runtime are painfully monotonous. They drag on to the point where I stopped caring about what was happening on screen. One particular passing drill scene is emblematic of this problem—meant to show Cade’s confidence, it instead comes across as whiny and self-indulgent.

Themes / Meaning

The film gestures toward ideas about obsession, legacy, and the physical toll of greatness, but never commits to exploring them. Without stronger character development or narrative focus, these themes remain surface-level and ineffective.

Final Thoughts

HIM may be the first horror football movie we’ve gotten, but if this is the quality to expect, it will probably be the last.

Who is this for?
Hardcore football fans who are curious enough to see how the sport translates into horror—purely out of novelty.

Who should skip it?
Horror fans, Jordan Peele fans, or anyone looking for strong characters, sharp writing, or genuine tension.

One-Sentence Verdict:
An intriguing concept completely fumbled by weak writing, dull pacing, and cringe-inducing characters.

What Worked

• The concept of blending football with horror
• A couple of effective X-ray visual sequences showing Cade’s head injury
• Brief moments hinting at the physical dangers of the sport

What Didn’t

• Thin, underdeveloped story and lack of exposition
• Boring, repetitive training sequences
• Cringeworthy dialogue and poor character chemistry

Adaptation Notes (Optional)

Faithful? N/A

Optional Gut Check

Rewatchable? No
Would I recommend this casually to a friend? No

Audience Feedback

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Agree or disagree? Email me at ross@nobodycritics.com.