✅ “HIM” (2025) is a chilling psychological horror film that ventures into the dark side of ambition and the pursuit of greatness. Produced by the acclaimed Jordan Peele and his Monkeypaw Productions, this film, directed by Justin Tipping, takes a unique approach to the genre by setting it within the high-stakes world of professional football. Released on September 19, 2025, the movie is a slow-burn descent into terror, exploring the fragile line between mentorship and malevolence. With a powerful dramatic performance from Marlon Wayans and a compelling narrative, “HIM” is a thought-provoking and unsettling experience that will leave audiences questioning the price of success.
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HIM
Director: Justin Tipping
Writers: Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, Justin Tipping
Stars: Tyriq Withers, Marlon Wayans, Julia Fox
Country: United States of America
Genres: Horror, Mystery
Languages: English
Overview: After suffering a potentially career-ending brain trauma, Cameron Cade receives a lifeline when his hero, legendary eight-time Championship quarterback and cultural megastar Isaiah White, offers to...
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HIM (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-bollyflix.ist
Movie Details
- Full Name: HIM (2025)
- Language: English
- Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Estimated to be a moderate horror production)
- Revenue: Box office figures are pending, but early projections indicate a strong opening.
- Runtime: 96 Minutes (1 Hour 36 Minutes)
- Release Date: September 19, 2025 (Worldwide Theatrical)
- Genres: Psychological Horror, Sports, Supernatural
- Cast: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies
- Directors: Justin Tipping
- Screenplay: Justin Tipping, Skip Bronkie, Zack Akers
- Studios & Producers: Monkeypaw Productions, Universal Pictures (Producers: Jordan Peele, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, Jamal M. Watson)
- Voice Cast: Not Applicable
- Animation & Style: Not Applicable
OFFICIAL IMAGES
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Image via Monkeypaw Productions / Universal Pictures -
Image via Monkeypaw Productions / Universal Pictures -
Image via Monkeypaw Productions / Universal Pictures -
Image via Monkeypaw Productions / Universal Pictures -
Image via Monkeypaw Productions / Universal Pictures
Plot Summary
“HIM” takes viewers on a chilling journey into the psychological and supernatural terrors lurking beneath the surface of the world of American football. The story follows Cameron “Cam” Cade, a gifted young quarterback whose life is turned upside down when a brutal attack by an unhinged fan leaves him with a severe brain injury, threatening to end his career. Just as his dreams seem to be shattered, Cam is offered a lifeline by his idol, the legendary and enigmatic quarterback, Isaiah White. Isaiah invites Cam to train at his secluded compound, promising to help him reclaim his former glory. However, what begins as a mentorship quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Isaiah’s charismatic facade begins to crumble, revealing a dark, controlling presence. As Cam’s physical abilities seemingly return, he finds himself trapped in a disorienting reality where he must confront the unsettling truth about his mentor and the terrifying price of greatness. The film masterfully blends the high-stakes world of sports with classic horror tropes, creating a unique and unnerving experience that explores themes of idolatry, ambition, and the sacrifice one is willing to make to become the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT).
Cast & Crew
The cast of “HIM” delivers powerful and unsettling performances that are central to the film’s chilling atmosphere. Marlon Wayans, known primarily for his comedic roles, delivers an electrifying dramatic performance as the legendary quarterback Isaiah White. His portrayal is both magnetic and deeply sinister, a true testament to his range as an actor. He perfectly captures the facade of a caring mentor while hinting at the darkness that lies beneath. Tyriq Withers is equally compelling as the tormented protagonist, Cameron Cade. Withers skillfully conveys Cam’s desperation, vulnerability, and growing terror as he unravels the mystery of his mentor. The chemistry between Wayans and Withers is the film’s driving force, creating a palpable sense of unease and psychological tension. The supporting cast, including Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies, adds to the surreal and unsettling nature of the narrative. The film is directed by Justin Tipping, who, along with his co-writers, crafted a screenplay that was featured on the prestigious Black List. Tipping’s direction is patient and deliberate, building suspense through atmosphere and character interaction rather than cheap jump scares, which is a hallmark of Monkeypaw Productions.
Critical & Audience Response
“HIM” has received a strong and positive reception from both critics and audiences since its release. Critics have lauded the film for its unique premise and its ability to blend the sports drama genre with psychological horror, a combination rarely seen in cinema. The film’s most-praised element is undoubtedly Marlon Wayans’ performance, with many calling it his career-best dramatic role. Reviewers have highlighted the film’s smart and effective direction, which builds a pervasive sense of dread without relying on typical horror clichés. Audience reactions have been equally enthusiastic, with viewers praising the film for its unexpected twists and its engaging narrative. The film’s strong box office opening, with early projections showing a solid performance, indicates a positive word-of-mouth response. “HIM” is being celebrated as a fresh and innovative take on the horror genre, proving that Jordan Peele’s production company continues to push boundaries and deliver films that are both terrifying and intellectually stimulating. The film’s success shows that audiences are eager for smart, character-driven horror that challenges traditional genre conventions.
Direction & Cinematography
Director Justin Tipping shows a confident and mature hand with “HIM.” His direction is meticulous, focusing on creating a deeply unsettling atmosphere rather than relying on jump scares. Tipping uses a slow, deliberate pace to build suspense, allowing the psychological tension to creep in gradually. He excels at capturing the claustrophobic and isolating feel of the remote compound, making the audience feel as trapped as the protagonist. The cinematography by Kira Kelly is a key component of this success. Kelly uses a combination of moody lighting, unsettling camera angles, and a muted color palette to create a visually distinct and sinister world. The contrast between the bright, vibrant football fields and the dark, shadowy interiors of Isaiah’s home enhances the film’s thematic exploration of light and darkness. The cinematography is not just about aesthetics; it is a vital part of the storytelling, helping to convey Cam’s deteriorating state of mind and the psychological horror he is experiencing. The direction and cinematography work in perfect harmony to create a film that is visually beautiful and terrifyingly effective.
Music & Background Score
The musical score for “HIM,” composed by Bobby Krlic (also known as The Haxan Cloak), is a masterclass in psychological horror sound design. The score is not your typical orchestral composition; instead, it uses a sparse and unnerving soundscape to create a sense of dread and unease. Krlic utilizes distorted synths, low-frequency hums, and unsettling ambient sounds to get under the audience’s skin. The music perfectly reflects the film’s slow-burn nature, building tension incrementally and then culminating in moments of pure sonic terror. The soundtrack also features a curated selection of songs from artists like Guapdad 4000 and Tierra Whack, which adds a contemporary and stylistic layer to the film. These songs are carefully integrated into the narrative, providing moments of rhythm and contrast that make the horror more effective when it finally arrives. The sound and music in “HIM” are not just for background; they are a character in themselves, a constant reminder of the unseen forces at play and the psychological torment that is gripping the protagonist.
Visuals & Special Effects
As a psychological horror film, “HIM” does not rely heavily on overt special effects or CGI. Its visual horror is derived from its carefully crafted atmosphere and disturbing imagery. The special effects are subtle but effective, often used to create moments of uncanny horror and to blur the line between reality and hallucination. The film’s visual language is built on a foundation of stark realism, with the exception of key moments where the supernatural elements are introduced. These moments are executed with a restrained touch, making them all the more terrifying. The film’s production design is also noteworthy, creating a luxurious yet isolating environment for the characters. The visual effects work hand-in-hand with the cinematography to create a sense of unease. The film’s true visual power comes from its ability to turn the mundane and familiar, like a football or a training session, into something deeply sinister. The film’s commitment to a grounded aesthetic makes the supernatural elements feel all the more impactful when they are revealed, proving that sometimes, less is more in horror.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing in “HIM,” handled by Taylor Joy Mason, is a crucial part of the film’s psychological suspense. The film’s pacing is deliberate and slow-burning, with the editing allowing scenes to breathe and tension to build. Mason masterfully uses jump cuts and quick, disorienting edits during moments of terror to create a sense of chaos and psychological distress. The editing style is precise, ensuring that the film’s narrative—which juggles both a realistic sports drama and a supernatural horror plot—remains cohesive and engaging. The screenplay, written by Justin Tipping, Skip Bronkie, and Zack Akers, is a major highlight. The script is smart and original, using the familiar world of sports as a launching pad for a unique horror story. It is a slow-reveal narrative, with the writers carefully peeling back the layers of the plot and character motivations. The dialogue is sharp and believable, making the characters feel authentic, which in turn makes the horror feel more personal and terrifying. The combination of a strong, intelligent screenplay and taut editing makes “HIM” a compelling and deeply effective genre film.
Positives / What Works
“HIM” is a masterclass in psychological horror, with its greatest strengths being its unique premise and its compelling performances. Marlon Wayans’ dramatic turn is a revelation, and his chemistry with Tyriq Withers is electric. The film’s slow-burn pacing is highly effective, building an incredible sense of dread without relying on cheap horror tricks. Justin Tipping’s direction is masterful, creating a claustrophobic and deeply unsettling atmosphere. The background score by Bobby Krlic is a standout element, using a powerful soundscape to enhance the psychological torment. The film’s ability to use a socially relevant backdrop like sports to tell a supernatural horror story is a testament to its clever and original screenplay. The combination of its cerebral horror and strong performances makes “HIM” a standout film of the year.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “HIM” is an impressive film, some viewers might find its slow-burn pacing to be a bit too deliberate, preferring a more action-packed horror experience. The film’s minimal use of traditional horror tropes and jump scares may not satisfy audiences looking for more conventional frights. The narrative, while unique, can sometimes feel a little convoluted, and some viewers might be left with questions about the supernatural elements of the plot. Additionally, the film’s reliance on psychological horror may be less effective for those who prefer more explicit or gory on-screen terror. However, these are minor criticisms that are largely a matter of personal taste. For fans of cerebral, Jordan Peele-style horror, these “negatives” are exactly what make the film a success.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“HIM” is a bold and innovative horror film that solidifies Monkeypaw Productions’ reputation for delivering smart, high-concept genre cinema. It’s a film that uses the world of sports as a backdrop for a chilling exploration of ambition and the darker side of fame. With a career-defining performance from Marlon Wayans, a strong lead in Tyriq Withers, and a deeply unsettling atmosphere, the film is a masterclass in psychological terror. It’s a must-watch for fans of elevated horror and for anyone looking for a film that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying. “HIM” proves that true horror lies not in jump scares, but in the disturbing truths and unsettling realities that lurk within ourselves and our most cherished idols.
Movie Rating
| Rating Category | Score (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Plot & Storyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Direction & Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Entertainment Value | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Average Score | 4.0 / 5 |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
Who is the director of "HIM"?
The film is directed by Justin Tipping, known for his work on "Kicks."
Who produced the film "HIM"?
"HIM" is produced by Jordan Peele and his production company, Monkeypaw Productions, known for films like "Get Out" and "Nope."
