The sports horror film ‘Him’ has arrived on the Peacock streaming platform, reigniting conversation around a movie that polarized audiences and critics upon its theatrical debut. Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, the film premiered in theaters on September 19, 2025, with a premise that promised a chilling exploration of ambition and sacrifice in professional sports.
A Promising Premise That Divided Audiences
The story follows Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), a rising quarterback who has dedicated his life to football to fulfill his late father's dream of him becoming the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). His path is violently altered when a mysterious stranger gives him a traumatic brain injury on the field. His salvation appears in the form of his idol, legendary quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), who invites Cade to his remote compound for intense training to potentially become his successor with the San Antonio Saviors.
However, the training evolves into a series of deranged, ritualistic tests. Cade discovers that achieving his dream requires a far more horrific sacrifice than just blood, sweat, and tears. It is here that the film attempts to weave social commentary into its horror framework, critiquing a gladiatorial sports system that, by its message, often exploits Black athletes for entertainment.
Where ‘Him’ Stumbled and Where It Shone
Initial reviews were notably harsh. Critics pointed to a muddled message, uneven handling of its horror elements, and a finale that felt rushed and oddly executed. Social media reactions from opening week were similarly brutal, with viewers on platform X expressing significant disappointment.
Despite these criticisms, the film has redeeming qualities that are often overshadowed. Marlon Wayans delivers a dramatic and impressive performance, shedding his comedic persona to portray a menacing, unhinged mentor. His performance anchors the film's second half. Similarly, Tyriq Withers, using his background as a former college wide receiver, holds his own against Wayans and brings authenticity to his role. The performances largely compensate for an occasionally awkward script by Tipping, Zack Akers, and Skip Bronkie.
Opinions on Julia Fox's role as White's influencer wife remain mixed, particularly regarding her part in the film's climax, though her acting was not deemed a primary flaw.
The Defense of the Film and Its Message
Amid the wave of negative reviews, a contingent of viewers has risen to defend ‘Him.’ They argue that the film's core conversation about the physical, mental, and systemic exploitation of Black athletes is being overlooked. These defenders encourage audiences to look past the critical consensus and engage with the film's intended themes.
Marlon Wayans himself addressed the criticism on Instagram. He acknowledged the role of critics but stated, “an opinion does not always mean it’s everyone’s opinion.” He suggested that “some movies are ahead of the curve” and that innovation in art is not always immediately embraced. To prove his point, he highlighted cult classics from his own filmography, like ‘White Chicks’ and ‘Scary Movie,’ which had low initial critical scores but found lasting audience appeal.
His ultimate advice to viewers was simple: “So don’t take anyone’s opinion just go see for yourself.”
Whether viewed as a flawed horror experiment or an underappreciated social commentary, ‘Him’ is now available for a wider audience to judge as it streams on Peacock. Its journey underscores the subjective nature of film and the enduring gap sometimes found between critical reception and a movie's aspirational message.
