HIM Review: A Stylized Fumble with Unmet Potential

Introduction

The buzz around HIM was palpable, especially with Justin Tipping at the helm and Jordan Peele's name attached as producer. Yet, as seasoned cinephiles know, a producer credit doesn't always guarantee the same creative DNA. This psychological thriller promised a deep dive into the dark side of ambition, set against the backdrop of high-stakes football. The question on everyone's mind: could it deliver a knockout blow, or would it fumble at the goal line?

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

HIM centers on an aspiring quarterback, played by Tyriq Withers, mentored by a former gridiron legend, portrayed by Marlon Wayans. Wayans, known for his comedic chops, delivers an intense, unsettling performance that harks back to his dramatic turn in Requiem for a Dream. He embodies the charismatic yet deeply sketchy mentor, drawing the young protagonist into a bizarre "football boot camp" at his isolated, eccentric home. Withers, in turn, convincingly portrays the good-hearted athlete slowly corrupted by his surroundings. The film cleverly sidesteps NFL licensing issues by featuring the "San Antonio Saviors," creating a world that feels both familiar and distinctly off-kilter. The chemistry between Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers is undeniable, serving as the primary anchor in a narrative that frequently drifts into the surreal.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Visually, HIM is a feast. The cinematography and editing are consistently interesting, drawing viewers in with a unique stylistic flair. However, this visual prowess often feels like "empty promises," as the film struggles to imbue its striking imagery with deeper meaning. There are moments of intense, Whiplash-esque psychological pressure, and even a shot that evokes the post-apocalyptic aesthetic of Mad Max: Fury Road. Yet, these stylistic flourishes often feel superficial, like the director is indulging in a "private joke" that the audience isn't privy to. The narrative itself, structured in chapters by days, often feels like "a lot of things are happening yet nothing really feels like it is." This creates a sense of a "fever dream," leaving viewers in a limbo between awake and asleep, waiting for a payoff that never quite arrives.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

Justin Tipping's direction leans heavily into a stylized, almost allegorical approach, but the film struggles to translate its visual ambition into coherent thematic depth. While the intensity of the mentor-mentee dynamic is palpable, the film's reliance on extraordinary, almost unreal events, often feels like a stylistic choice rather than a narrative necessity. It's as if the film prioritizes looking cool over saying something profound, leaving the audience with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The movie's intriguing premise and strong performances from Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers are ultimately undermined by a narrative that feels both overstuffed and strangely inert.

The Final Verdict

Despite its promising setup and compelling lead performances, HIM ultimately lands with a resounding "meh." It's a film that tries to be a psychological thriller with the intensity of Whiplash and the visual flair of Mad Max, but it never quite sticks the landing. The final scene, while appreciated, arrives too late to salvage a viewing experience that often feels like a prolonged, visually arresting, but ultimately boring fever dream. If you're looking for a film that delivers on its stylistic promises with substantive storytelling, you might find yourself wishing for a different play call.