Football Turned Horror In New Film Starring Marlon Wayans & Tyriq Withers
“HIM,” released Sept. 19, arrived just in time for the Halloween season, drawing attention and dominating the spotlight at local theaters.
With a never-before-seen mixture of football passion turned horror and nightmare, “HIM” is a suspenseful banger that just hits different.
And “Nope.” It’s not the typical jump scares and masked faces; this one's a story led by Black characters. It’s a football prospect whose high hopes leave him in the darkest moments of his career, testing his physical and psychological strengths.
The plot unfolds in a shocking turn of events as talented star Cameron Cade, played by football star turned actor Tyriq Withers, is attacked by a fan. This attack leads to Cade suffering from brain trauma that puts his football career in jeopardy.
Just before all hope is lost, Cade receives an offer to train with his inspiration, an eight-time championship-winning quarterback (Isaiah White), played by actor and comedian Marlon Wayans.
Wayans, who is best known for his comedic roles in films like White Chicks and the Scary Movie series, plays a completely different role in this film compared to what fans have seen in the past.
Wayans unlocks Isaiah White, a character with a serious, sinister and evil demeanor.
White brings football star Cade into a whirlwind of madness, manipulation, gaslighting and regret, all for the price of wanting to make it into the league.
The biggest question the movie poses to viewers is, “How bad does Cameron Cade want it?”
“HIM” takes a deep dive into underlying themes, exploring the sinister side of harsh realities athletes face when their dedication to the sport characterizes their main identity. That identity transforms into sacrifice, pain, pressure, blood, sweat, tears and hero worship.
Director Justin Tipping, who is the mastermind behind bringing the film to life, wanted to showcase the physical and mental toll that the sport can take on athletes, adding many surprising twists that viewers will not expect.
Tipping explained that part of the mischief involved was wanting the film to feel like Friday Night Lights and a Nike ad.
In an interview with Universal Pictures, Tipping said, “I wanted to lean into some really disturbing psychological horror. A lot of my references were coming from things like The Shining and Jacob’s Ladder.”
Safe to say, Tipping delivered just that with the help of producer Jordan Peele.
Peele is no stranger to this genre. Known for his incredible roles in the making of other psychological horror films like “Get Out”, “Nope”, “Us”, and many more, Peele continues to make an impact, and this time, straight from the producer’s seat.
Credits also go to writers Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, who helped tie the film all together.
“HIM” is the film that stands out from other horrors. It is the movie that will keep viewers thinking, “What are you willing to sacrifice?” Blending desire and passion with psychology and gore, glued to the screen will be an understatement.
Grab some snacks and tune in at theaters nationwide.
