I have been waiting for this film for over a year, and I managed to slip into a screening without a glimpse of the trailer. I saw a poster, Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, and Monkeypaw Productions; that was enough for me. So I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have not seen many sports-horror films, and the movies I have seen didn’t focus on the journey of one athlete. Him follows Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) as he trains at Isaiah White’s (Marlon Wayans) after a head injury. I figured that the movie would lean into psychological horror, but I was pleasantly surprised by the surrealism. The film often feels like a dream with the imagery teetering between terrifying and absurd. Although Him took bold swings that led to fumbles, I still found plenty to appreciate. Let’s dig into the deets.
Introduction
Him showcases a Black athlete’s experience, and I was able to pinpoint sentiments that felt incredibly familiar. We start the film with Cameron as a child. Everyone in his house is focused on the game on TV. They are standing and pacing, as many sports fans tend to do. Once their team wins, you can hear his mom saying, “We did it”. It’s such a small line of dialogue that points to the bigger phenomenon of fans feeling connected to players and teams beyond the reality of being spectators.
We watch as Cameron’s father forces him to look at the screen after a gruesome injury. He emphasizes that this level of dedication and sacrifice is not only what it takes to win, but more importantly, what it takes to be a man. This mirrors the extreme pressure men face because they are fed the idea that they are required to put the team on their backs. Their suffering is acceptable if the team wins. It also comes with a sense of pride because they are praised for putting themselves on the line, no matter the cost. No price is too big to be successful, to be the man, to be unstoppable, to be “Him”. This is the perfect introduction to Cameron Cade.
A Modicum of Glory
After a quick fast-forward, we see Cameron as a young adult and a rising quarterback: a position also known for putting the team on their back. It’s clear that his father’s ideals stuck with him, and he has dedicated himself to the game. His family also made sacrifices for him to get to this point, which intensifies the pressure he feels to be successful and pull them up with him. This is highlighted after his injury, when he decides to put his body on the line and go to the training camp, despite being one injury away from ending his career.
Although his success is his top priority, it has complicated his relationship with his family. Cameron’s brother’s jealousy peeks through via his dialogue. His brother also questions why he wasn’t sent to football camp. Cameron’s mother and his girlfriend feel the distance and have to fight for quality time. He also seems to be surrounded by friends who parade him around like an expensive car. Cameron is pulled in every direction to support the needs of others, and he feels obligated due to their support. This is seen a lot with Black athletes, especially after they achieve success or make the professional leagues. Sports are seen as one of the surest ways to success in the Black community, because we can’t be separated or excluded from our physical talents. These talents would then make a ramp for upward mobility to those surrounding; sometimes to the detriment of the athlete.
For the Love of the Game
Cameron’s time at the camp quickly devolves into violence and exhaustion. Him highlights how violence is overlooked for the love of the game. The bodies on the field are simply pawns for success; the broken ones get replaced. The unsettling truth is that many of them are happy to be a shattered game piece for a modicum of glory. The plot incorporates a cult, and it becomes clear that the process of becoming the G.O.A.T. is predestined and involves an otherworldly force. I like the idea of the cult, but the explanation is as subtle as a tackle: that might be on purpose. I think the dialogue downgrades some of the scenes, although I ultimately enjoyed the concept of the resolution. The path Cameron chooses represents freedom and success by one’s own definition. It does require the viewer to suspend their disbelief, because the end becomes surreal and splattery.
Extreme Fandom
Although the film dives into hallucinations and dreams, the performances sell the authenticity of the characters. Marlon Wayans plays unhinged so well that it’s startling, especially if you know him as Shorty from Scary Movie. There are a few funny moments, but mostly uncomfortable interactions between Cameron and Isaiah. In some scenes, Isaiah can feel friendly or like a mentor. In other scenes, I was sure he would try to smother Cameron in his sleep. He believes that his ruthlessness is the only way to maintain the success and pressure of being the best. He represents what Cameron will become: someone filled with so much pain, you can see it behind their eyes.
We don’t get a lot of time with Majorie, but her scenes are memorable. From when she spits on the car to when she enters the sauna, you immediately are stressed for Cameron. Her character represents the dangers of fandom.
While Him takes fandom to what most would consider the extreme, how far-fetched is it really? We have stadiums with jails underneath them. Fans will storm the city in support of their team. Fans can be unpredictable when they are consumed by strong emotions and have access to someone they hate. We often see this play out online. Majorie gets physical access, which ends violently.
Pass or Play
I enjoyed the social critiques of the football league, fandom, manhood, and violence. The visuals are incredible, and the performances help to sell the plot. The dialogue hurts some of the commentary, but it isn’t a dealbreaker. There were also a few needle drops that I appreciated. How often does one hear Gucci Mane in the genre? Viewers will need to suspend some level of disbelief, especially for the last 30 minutes, but there are plenty of things grounded in reality. The commentary may not be subtle all the time, but it’s spot on. I think sometimes Monkeypaw movies don’t get their fair shine simply because they aren’t Get Out. I’d definitely recommend watching Him for yourself.
