Him Review: Marlon Wayans Delivers His Most Intense Role Yet

HIM stars former college wide-receiver Tyriq Withers (Atlanta, the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer) as Cameron Cade, a rising-star quarterback who has devoted his life, and identity, to football. On the eve of professional football’s annual scouting Combine, Cam is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma. Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), a legendary eight-time Championship quarterback and cultural megastar, offers to train Cam at Isaiah’s isolated compound that he shares with his celebrity influencer wife, Elsie White (Julia Fox; Uncut Gems, No Sudden Move). But as Cam’s training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma begins to curdle into something darker, sending his protégé down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.

The Good

The acting is the first thing that stands out. Tyriq Withers delivers a phenomenal performance, never letting himself get lost in the shadow of Marlon Wayans. Withers feels believable as a young professional athlete wrestling with the surreal challenges thrown at him, and his chemistry with Wayans keeps the story grounded.

Speaking of Wayans, he is absolutely fantastic in this role. Known mostly for comedy, he shows dramatic range here, and his performance is captivating every time he is on screen. It is easily one of his best roles, and it feels like the kind of performance that could put him in awards conversations.

The cinematography is another highlight. Visually, the film is both creative and artistic, filled with vibrant colors, imaginative backdrops, and clever camera work that forces the audience to stay engaged. At times, the visuals mimic the intensity of a video game with x-ray-style sequences that heighten the brutality of football. The use of scenery and framing also adds to the disorienting sense of paranoia, pushing the audience to constantly question what is real.

Tyriq Withers is Cam in HIM, directed by Justin Tipping

The themes are just as strong as the performances and visuals. Him dives deep into the sacrifices athletes make, exploring the physical, emotional, and even spiritual toll of chasing success. The film balances its surreal imagery with grounded commentary about ambition, sacrifice, and the cost of greatness.

The Bad

The biggest issue with Him lies in its writing. The setup and first two acts build tension and mystery in a compelling way, but the conclusion struggles to stick the landing. The story moves toward a literal explanation rather than staying metaphorical, and the result feels anticlimactic. Like a horror movie that becomes less scary once the monster is fully revealed, Him loses some of its power by over-explaining.

(from left) Isaiah (Marlon Wayans) and Cam (Tyriq Withers) in HIM, directed by Justin Tipping.

This shift weakens the impact of what had been a fascinating journey. The ending, while ambitious, does not feel as strong or satisfying as the rest of the film, and it makes the overall experience harder to recommend for everyone.

The Verdict

HIM is an unholy fever dream set on the football field that captures both the glory and the horror of sacrifice. Tyriq Withers proves he is a talent to watch, and Marlon Wayans delivers a performance that is nothing short of outstanding. The visuals are hypnotic, the themes are resonant, and the journey itself is gripping. The only drawback is a finale that cannot quite match the brilliance of the buildup.

This is not a movie for everyone, but those willing to embrace its surreal style will find plenty to admire. It is imaginative, daring, and deeply unsettling in ways that will stick with you long after the credits roll.

HIM Trailer:

Director: Justin Tipping
Writer(s):Zack Akers & Skip Bronkie and Justin Tipping
Stars: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies
HIM comes to theaters September 19th, 2025. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!