A chance to train with a champion athlete quickly twists into a harrowing exploration of power, obsession, and the dangers of idolization.
Who is really “Him?” With a charismatic sports legend at the center, Him (2025) delves into the intoxicating pull of mentorship and the darker truths hidden behind fame. Blending psychological thriller, sports drama, and body horror, the film delivers an unnerving portrait of fanatic culture, though it leaves much for audiences to interpret rather than resolve. The film, directed by Justin Tipping and written by Tipping, Skip Bronkie, and Zachary Akers, maintains a steady pace that balances the adrenaline of athletic ambition with the creeping dread of psychological control. While framed in the familiar language of sports dramas, Him shifts into stranger, more disorienting territory as its central relationship warps. The dialogue-driven exchanges between the two main characters layer themes of identity, trust, and exploitation until they crack under pressure. Him examines what happens when meeting your hero turns toxic. Cam’s journey becomes a lens for exploring the culture of sports fanaticism, the dangers of unchecked mentorship, and the weight of familial and societal expectations.
Tyriq Withers gives a breakout performance as Cameron “Cam” Cade, a young quarterback desperate to reclaim his future after injury from a brutal attack detours plans. Withers captures both Cam’s vulnerability and his determination to be the “GOAT”, making his descent into Isaiah’s world both relatable and tragic. His portrayal is layered with insecurity, longing, and a need for guidance that leaves him dangerously exposed to manipulation. Opposite him, comedy legend Marlon Wayans delivers a career-defining dramatic turn as Isaiah White, the legendary quarterback whose allure hides something far more sinister. Wayans embodies Isaiah with unsettling charisma, shifting effortlessly between supportive mentor and domineering predator. His performance reframes what it means when heroes fall from grace, spotlighting the fragility of masculine identity in a field where aging out can be as terrifying as physical injury. Isaiah’s dynamic with Cam provides the film’s most chilling tension, a psychological power play where respect, fear, and ambition are indistinguishably entangled.
Training sequences that begin with the vibrancy of hope gradually morph into claustrophobic fever dreams, blending surreal imagery with distorted framing that unsettles the viewer as much as it does Cam. The film often places the characters in isolating frames, reinforcing the sense of control Isaiah wields over his new mentee. Hallucinations, eerie imagery, and blurred lines between fever dream and reality punctuate the film, drawing audiences deeper into Cam’s unraveling perspective. The film’s sound design and score stand out as key elements in building tension. Pulsating beats and creepy undertones escalate during training sessions, while moments of silence carry as much weight as the dialogue. The soundtrack is both energetic and sinister, fitting perfectly into a narrative where hope constantly clashes with dread.
Themes of injury, exploitation, and the desperate pursuit of legacy echo throughout, paralleling the ways other industries discard those who age out of their prime. While Him may not provide concrete answers to its most disturbing questions, it thrives on ambiguity and psychological tension. It offers a visceral experience that invites audiences to reflect on obsession, power, and what is sacrificed in the pursuit of greatness. With standout performances, abstract visuals, and a haunting score, Him delivers a thought-provoking and unsettling entry into the sports thriller genre.