‘Him‘ Review: Marlon Wayans Delivers a Devilishly Compelling Performance in Satanic Football Thriller
LOS ANGELES – Marlon Wayans stars as a seemingly ageless quarterback in “Him,” a new R-rated horror thriller exploring themes of pain, devotion, and manipulation within teh high-stakes world of professional football. the film, released in wide release Friday, Sept. 19, features a score by Bobby Krlic (a.k.a. the Haxan Cloak), who also composed the music for “Midsommar,” and striking visuals crafted by editor Taylor Joy Mason and cinematographer Kelly Kelly, utilizing techniques including thermal imaging and X-ray footage.
The film centers on Cameron (Jermaine fowler), a rising football star, and his complex relationship with his childhood hero, Isaiah (Wayans). Isaiah, in peak physical condition at age 53 - nearly a decade older than Tom Brady was when he retired – embodies a conviction that he can defy aging. He oscillates between motivational speeches and threats, and is visually striking in outfits covered in weighted beads.
Critics note Wayans’ performance as a standout,while Fowler portrays Cameron with “physical confidence and perfect posture and drilled obedience.” However,the plot’s coherence has been questioned,with some reviewers finding it tough too answer basic questions about character motivations and the story’s ultimate direction after multiple viewings. Cameron’s character, in particular, is described as passively accepting everything from injections to violence, speaking about his career “clinically and neutrally” as a “product” rather than someone who enjoys “playing.”
“Him” is rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual material, nudity and some drug use, and has a running time of 1 hour, 36 minutes.
