Reel Review: Him Attempts To Spotlight The Toxic System Behind Professional Football, But Falls Short
After getting injured on his way to football greatness, Cam (Tyriq Withers) is taken under the wing of GOAT quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). Traveling to the star player’s private compound, Cam is isolated and put through a rigorous week long training camp where he learns more than just football skills.
While Jordan Peele’s name might be largest on the poster, don’t be fooled. Him is not directed by regarded horror mastermind Jordan Peele, but rather produced by him and his company. If you come into this film with the expectations and bar set at Peele’s level, you’re bound to be let down. It has a lot of elements reminiscent to some of Peele’s work, but it is a stand alone story.
Tyriq Withers is an absolute standout in this movie. As a first truly leading role, he stepped up seamlessly by embodying this character in both subtle and big ways. His star power is undeniable, and his ability to emote pain, power, and drive all within a minute’s span is impressive. Withers never falters when it comes to the physicality of this role, largely due to his personal football experience.
Marlon Wayans delivers a performance that I didn’t know he was capable of. While he is usually a man of comedy, he is an undeniable force of power, intimidation, and dedication in this movie. Isaiah’s descent into madness is confusing and captivating to watch, and Wayans keeps you on your toes the entire run time.
While Him rightfully exposes a lot of the toxic masculinity that runs rampant throughout the football community, it lacks any commentary on how to fix it. Instead of posing a solution, it just shows the changing of power and how this behavior is not only allowed but also encouraged within the sport, not just by players but the larger teams, coaches, and owners. This sport can be viewed as a cult in many ways, yet it is socially acceptable to participate and thrive within it.
The ending of Him is a flat out gore fest as Cam reclaims his power and dethrones the best QB in the league. While the sequence is fueled by anger and determination, it felt empty. An empty win after so much hard work. The escalation from second to third act felt rushed and lacking certain context. By the time you hit the climax of the movie, there’s a lack of understanding as to why things have gotten to this place, and if it was really necessary.
In an attempt to make a thoughtful expose on the inner workings of professional football and the rampant toxic masculinity that fuels it, Him is ultimately very empty. The film offers no solution or resolution to the problems it presents and rather continues to encourage the idea that going to such lengths is, in the end, worth it. The performances are career great, but the story itself lacks refinement and clear messaging.
Him is playing in theaters now.
