HIM Is A Dark And Disturbing Sports Horror Hybrid That Explores The Dark Side Of Success

The allure of fame has been described by some as an addiction. Performers often cite being on stage or on a field of competition as a rush that cannot be duplicated and is deeply missed when it is gone.

In the new film “HIM”, audiences see a dark and twisted tale of just how far some are willing to go for success, and in doing so, it weaves a complicated tale that leaves many elements for the audience to decipher.

Marlon Waynes is Isiah White; arguably the best Quarterback ever to play the game. He has eight championships; many were won after an injury that many saw as career-ending. As rumors swirl that he may be about to retire following another championship, Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) emerges as the hottest prospect in ages, and many see him as the potential greatest of all time at the position.

Cameron was pushed from an early age by his late father and is injured in a mysterious attack shortly before the scouting combine, which resulted in brain swelling from a concussion. Cameron accepts an invitation to train with Isiah in his remote facility and quickly sees that there is intensity to Isiah that grows deeper as each day passes.

Drills that have extra violent content, cult like fans camped outside his gate, and erratic behavior soon become the norm and force Cameron to set aside his moral compass to get through the week in order to get his shot at glory.

What follows is a bizarre, confusing, and dark tale that does not follow a linear path in the later segments. The film goes from dark to flat-out strange and asks the audience to fill in the gaps or make their own judgments as it leads to a very over-the-top finale that seemed extreme and lacked the needed explanations or aftermath.

Director Justin Tipping and Producer Jordan Peele have crafted a disturbing film that makes one think. The implication that players of color are expendable and exploited tools for wealthy white owners is a clear statement on sports and the message that making a deal with the essential Devil is often needed to become a success. The supernatural elements needed a bit more explanation as leaps of faith were required, especially in segments that one would expect some consequences to follow.

In the end, “HIM” is an interesting and disturbing sports horror film that makes you think.

3.5 stars out of 5