San Antonio may not have a real professional football team playing at the Alamodome, but it has a fictional one now thanks to this movie.
In “Him,” Marlon Wayans portrays Isaiah White, who’s become the professional football league’s greatest of all time, leading the San Antonio Saviors to eight titles. His success on the field has not only brought several rings, but it also inspired the next generation, particularly promising quarterback Cam Cade (Tyriq Withers).
A college star, Cade had planned to participate in the pre-draft combine where he gets to flex in front of scouts, but he’s sidelined by an injury. He gets a second chance to attract league attention, though, in the way of a private invite by White, who wants to give the player a chance to prove he has what it takes. Cade agrees, but soon learns he’s in for more than he bargained for.
Since the release of Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking 2017 film “Get Out,” a few movies have come to theaters trying to replicate that style and substance. The psychological thriller aspects, the dedication to cinematic artistry and social commentary regarding greater issues have been present with the likes of “Candyman” and “Antebellum.”
That continues here, and it’s even more backed up by the fact that “Him” was produced by Peele, with his name prominently featured on posters. The creative team, meanwhile, includes Justin Tipping with his sophomore directorial effort, as well as writers Skip Bonkie and Zack Akers, who are making their feature film debut.
It’s easy to see that the trio took inspiration from Peele’s work. Unfortunately, “Him” isn’t quite on the level of Peele’s Oscar winning production, or his subsequent filmography. Despite including hallmarks, from unique and striking shots, to a mind-bending narrative, the filmmakers of “Him” don’t quite capture the magic Peele has with the genre.
However, that isn’t to say the movie is necessarily bad. While it does at times feel derivative, and doesn’t offer the most original story, with it being a fairly readable deal with the Devil concept, it does offer some entertainment and intrigue. The movie has intensity, especially thanks to Wayans’ powerful performance, and can keep a viewer on edge with what unfolds.
The movie also earns plenty of credit for how it explores the position of quarterback, which is unique across all sports. From high school through the NFL, quarterbacks aren’t just tasked with playing well athletically. They must lead the team for 60 minutes, whether it’s calling plays in the huddle, to rallying the offense on the sideline.
That’s on top of the off-the-field efforts, where they have to speak with the media, take responsibility for losing, be the face everyone recognizes, and ultimately, get the most adoration for winning. We’re seeing it this year in college and professional football.
Young quarterbacks in their first or second year like the Minnesota Vikings’ JJ McCarthy, the Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr., the Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels and the Tennessee Titans’ Cam Ward have all been given the keys to the kingdom. Those multi-billion-dollar franchises have bet their futures on these players in particular.
At the college level, meanwhile, Arch Manning, nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning, is in his first year of quarterbacking for the University of Texas, a football blue blood. The school and its legion of devoted fans see anything less than him performing at an elite level and leading the school to national championship glory a failure.
There have even been scenarios like the one at the center of this film, where a franchise is looking to move on from an aging Hall of Fame player with a promising new starter. We saw it with Joe Montana and Steve Young with the San Francisco 49ers, as well as Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.
Perhaps the greatest strength of “Him” is how it captures all of this. Despite Cade never actually taking a professional snap over the course of the flick, the movie displays the gargantuan burden put on young players expected to be the next leader, from the physical needs to the mental strain. It does so with several suspenseful moments.
As previously mentioned, the movie is also helped by Wayans’ effort, who is solid as the unhinged, future Hall of Fame inductee. In a way, his performance is reminiscent of Oscar Isaac’s in “Ex Machina,” as one wonders if there is a method to his madness.
Withers, meanwhile, is solid as a young quarterback who is confident with an attitude, but also naïve as a rookie. He shows the character’s drive, fear and conflicting feelings he has because of his experience well enough.
“Him” is held back from the upper echelons of the genre for being rather generic in terms of story, and despite its visual flair, the look doesn’t feel entirely new or exciting. However, as a breezy thriller just over 90 minutes with two solid main characters, a satisfying ending and a powerful look at football’s quarterback position, it’s a positive experience. 3.25 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 