Introduction
Him is a tense, psychological sports-horror film that fuses the high-stakes world of elite football with creeping dread. Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Monkeypaw/Universal, the movie follows a rising young athlete who is invited to train with a living legend — only to find the mentorship descending into something sinister.
Plot Overview
Cam Cade is a promising young quarterback whose identity and future revolve around football. After suffering a career-threatening setback, Cam receives an unexpected lifeline: training under Isaiah White, an aging superstar whose status as a legend and cultural icon draws the young athlete into an isolated, intense training environment. As Cam pushes his body and mind to the limit, Isaiah’s charisma slowly curdles into control, manipulation, and psychological terror. The film escalates from ambition and mentorship into paranoia and horror, asking whether the nightmare is external or born from the price of greatness
Cast & Key Creatives
- Tyriq Withers — Cam Cade (rising young quarterback)
- Marlon Wayans — Isaiah White (legendary quarterback and mentor)
- Julia Fox — Elsie White (influencer, Isaiah’s partner)
- Supporting cast includes Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Naomi Grossman, and others.
Director: Justin Tipping
Writers: Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, Justin Tipping
Producers: Jordan Peele (Monkeypaw), Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, Jamal Watson
Composer: Bobby Krlic
Runtime / Genre: ~96 minutes — Horror / Sports / Psychological thriller.
Production & Background
Originally developed from a spec script (once titled GOAT), the project was picked up by Monkeypaw/Universal and shaped into a psychological horror that examines celebrity, power, and identity through a sports lens. The film was positioned as a late-summer/early-fall release and marketed with teasers that emphasized both the athletic intensity and the creeping menace of the isolated compound setting.
Themes & Why the Film Works
- Fame as a Predator: The movie uses the mentor-protégé dynamic to explore how charisma can mask control and how idols can demand literal and psychological sacrifices.
- Identity and Obsession: Cam’s entire identity is wrapped in performance; the film probes what happens when that identity is threatened or reshaped by someone more powerful.
- Isolation & Ritual: Training at a private compound creates rituals that double as psychological conditioning — perfect territory for a horror film that prefers dread to jump scares.
These themes give Him depth beyond simple thrills; it’s scary because it asks how far someone will go to become (or remain) the best.
Cinematic Style & Audience Experience
- Atmosphere-first horror: The film leans on tension, sound design, and slow escalation rather than constant shocks.
- Sporting intensity: Training montages, physical transformation, and performance pressure are shot with visceral realism — making the audience feel the athlete’s strain.
- Character-driven dread: Horror grows from relationships and power imbalances rather than supernatural gimmicks.
Expect a visceral, unsettling ride where sweaty locker rooms and midnight workouts feel as threatening as any haunted house.
Release & Early Reception Notes
Him was slated for a wide theatrical release in mid-September 2025. Early marketing positioned the movie as a high-concept horror with mainstream starpower behind it — Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw among the producers — which generated strong pre-release curiosity. Box office projections and final reception will depend on word-of-mouth and how the film lands with both horror fans and mainstream audiences.
FAQs
When was Him released?
The film was released in September 2025.
Is Him a sports drama or a horror film?
It’s both — a psychological horror set in the world of elite American football.
Is Him connected to Jordan Peele’s other movies?
No, but it’s produced under his Monkeypaw Productions banner, known for innovative horror.
Who plays the mentor in Him?
Marlon Wayans stars as Isaiah White, a legendary quarterback.
Who is the main character in Him?
Tyriq Withers plays Cam Cade, a rising quarterback desperate to reclaim his career.
Where was Him filmed?
Production details point to the U.S., with training compound and sports facility settings central to the story.
Is Him based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional psychological horror — but it draws on real themes of fame, mentorship, and obsession.
What is the runtime of Him?
The movie runs approximately 96 minutes.
What rating is Him?
It’s rated R for horror elements, language, and thematic intensity.
Will Him be available on streaming?
After its theatrical release, the film is expected to stream on Peacock (as part of Universal’s deal).
Conclusion
Him is a fresh take on horror that uses the pressure cooker world of elite sport as a breeding ground for psychological collapse. If you like horror that lives in the margins — slow-burn tension, character-based conflict, and social commentary about fame and identity — this film aims to deliver a memorable blend of athletic drama and sustained dread. You can read more about the upcoming horror movies here.
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