Who knew getting tackled could get even scarier? Justin Tipping’s 2025 sports-oriented horror film “HIM”, took to Canadian cinemas this past September. Produced by suspense film mogul Jordan Peele, high anticipation surrounded the film’s ability to achieve that “WOW” factor, as seen in his previous films. As an avid Jordan Peele fan, I was just as eager to see if HIM would deliver.I think it goes without saying the film did not disappoint.
Tipping’s HIM takes an unconventional approach to confronting some of our society’s biggest conundrums through the story of Cameron Cade (played by Tyriq Withers). Cameron Cade is a rising quarterback who is the centre of attention of every major scout in the nation. That is, until he is attacked by a crazed fan and is forced to cut back on his intense practice sessions. His training hiatus puts him in a compromising position and with the draft coming up, it seems that his chances of playing in professional football are in the dust. Until Isaiah White (played by Marlon Wayans), renowned football mogul and Cameron’s childhood idol, reaches out to mentor him through a series of one-on-one training sessions. Through spending time with one of the “greats”, Cameron quickly learns that there are levels to achieving greatness. However, the mood then shifts to Cameron asking the crucial question: “do I really want this?”
Through Cameron’s internal dilemmas and the events unfolding in his environment, the film explores existential themes of identity and narrative control. Some of these themes include the inadvertent soft launching of toxic male masculinity through childhood practices, the codependence on hobbies as a means of identity, and the balancing of nature vs nurture in foreign environments.
The film makes great use of cinematographic elements like shot types and music to emphasize plot development and climax. Specifically, the film takes on an abstract approach to depict violence through usage of X-Ray film. The subtle but thoughtful detail illuminates not only the apparent physical altercations between characters, but also the rewiring of brain chemistry accounting for the sense of self. Another intricate usage of cinematography includes the soundtrack. The versatile soundtrack is used to both soothe and alleviate the presence of suspense throughout the film. Music is used as both an invitation and a weapon to your constant predictions of what will happen next. Both elements went on to heighten my viewing experience, as I was hooked onto the screen for the full 1 hour and 36 minutes.
I went into this film with high expectations, and I left with my standards fulfilled. The film continues to play in several Toronto-based theatres for the foreseeable month, and I encourage readers to make use of its theatre presence. Whether you’re a big sports fan, conspiracy theorist, or even philosophical debater intrigued by questions like “what does it mean to have control of your life”, HIM has got something that’ll hit one of your bases.