'HIM' Was Supposed to Become a New Horror Hit, but Turned Out to Be a Flop With 31% on RT

Expectations were high for HIM: Jordan Peele, a master of smart horror, was a producer, and the plot promised a bold satire of the professional sports world.

However, the result disappointed critics and viewers alike, turning a potential hit into a resounding flop.

What Is 'HIM' About?

Cameron is a young and talented quarterback who dreams of a great career in American football. His idol is the legendary Isaiah White, who is preparing to retire from the sport.

After Cameron is brutally attacked, his career is in jeopardy. Isaiah offers him a chance to save it: seven days of grueling training at his secluded villa.

What starts as a tough recovery program quickly turns into a sadistic initiation ritual where the line between training a champion and creating a monster becomes blurred through physical and psychological torture.

Jordan Peele Produced 'HIM', but He Couldn't Save It

With Jordan Peele, creator of Get Out and Us, on board, hopes were high – viewers expected a poignant social horror film. However, director Justin Tipping failed to emulate his producer's skill.

The movie lacks Peele's signature irony and precision. Marlon Wayans, a charismatic comedian, is unconvincing as Isaiah – he comes across more like a cartoonish villain than a complex mentor.

His confrontation with the emotionless Cameron played by Tyriq Withers lacks chemistry, deflating the central conflict.

'HIM's Message Is Devalued by the Use of Clichéd and Straightforward Imagery

Justin Tipping attempts to address the toxicity of the cult of success and the inhumanity of the sports industry, but he does so with astonishing bluntness.

American football is literally portrayed as a diabolical religion. The team is called the Saviors, but its logo features a goat's skull.

The climax is an outright vulgar reference to The Last Supper, in which Cameron is compared to Jesus – a comparison we've seen in dozens, if not hundreds, of other films.

'HIM's Shiny Exterior Conceals Semantic Emptiness

HIM certainly looks stylish, with glossy footage of half-naked athletes training to electronic music reminiscent of fashion videos.

However, this visual gloss conceals a lack of substance. Scenes featuring X-rays of broken bones, which are intended to be shocking, become monotonous by the end.

The plot disintegrates into a series of striking yet disjointed scenes, none of which are brought to a logical conclusion.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'HIM'?

• HIM has 31% from critics and 57% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 5.1/10.

• On Letterboxd, HIM is scored 2.6/5.0.

Where to Watch 'HIM'?

You can rent or buy HIM on Prime Video and Apple TV.