A scene from 'HIM'

Review: ‘HIM’ calls some shocking plays off the bench

‘HIM’ is a brutal depiction of male toxicity in sports and an extreme look at the sacrifices athletes make to reach the top.

Being an elite athlete is not all fame and fortune. It requires a lot of hard work to harness even natural talent. Skills need to be refined so you can perform at a top level all the time, without fail. Any weakness will be scrutinized and create an opening for the next best up-and-comer waiting in the wings to take your place. It’s a cruel and competitive world that doesn’t give concessions. You give it your all or you go home. In HIM, a star quarterback is put to the test in an audition for his dream job.

Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) is making headlines, forecast to be the next no. 1 quarterback, dethroning aging G.O.A.T., Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). However, just before national tryouts, Cade is severely injured in an unprovoked attack. Now, he worries the scouting reports from before he was hurt won’t be enough to propel him to the top of the draft. Fortunately, he’s given a second chance to audition for his all-time favourite team, the Saviors, with his childhood hero, White. However, the excitement of arriving at the secluded facility is gradually replaced with fear as his dream come true becomes a nightmare he can’t escape.

Sports underdog stories are often audience favourites. This is the opposite of that. Cade is an exceptional athlete with the world at his feet. The injury is a major setback, but he’s still poised to be a football star. This exclusive training camp is an opportunity to showcase his skills and his grit for his favourite team. He’s not coming from behind anyone.

Knowledge of football is not a prerequisite for watching the film since they’re primarily running drills. The only need-to-know information is the quarterback is the guy that throws the ball to his teammates. Like producer Jordan Peele’s Get Out, an ordinary event becomes progressively more dangerous in this film. It begins as a benign sports picture before slowly evolving into a horror nightmare.

Cade and White are immediately bonded by their unequivocal talent and love of football. The elder statesman embraces the rookie and appears ready to take him under his wing. Of course, appearances can be deceiving. The animosity is very subtle to start, hidden in uncomfortable comments. But everyone can relate to overlooking some awkwardness if it means getting something you really want.

As things become worse (and bloodier), White’s assurances that this is what it takes to get to the top soothes Cade’s anxiety. But keen audiences recognize the telltale signs of a situation that’s only going to get worse. There’s an atmosphere of malevolence guiding Cade down a mysterious and perilous path.

There are quiet and more explicit warnings that hint at the malignant force directing everything from behind the curtain. But it all comes to a head at the end of the week after Cade is tested in ways beyond his comprehension. The sports aspect of the narrative takes a backseat as the evil plan takes over festivities.

The male toxicity that seems to follow athletic ability oozes through the film. From an early age, Cade is taught that being a man means absorbing pain. To be “Him,” you have to be willing to sacrifice everything. It’s a concept with which Cade struggles since he’s very close to his family and has somehow managed not to become a stereotypical jock in spite of his on-field prowess.

All the ingredients are present for an intriguing film, but it feels a little undercooked. There’s apt social commentary, creepy interactions, cringe-worthy injuries and a predictable yet epic ending. But the desire to maintain an opaque level of ambiguity hurts the story — especially since audiences will likely have at least an inkling of what’s happening before it’s revealed.

Nonetheless, co-writer and director Justin Tipping shows he’s someone to watch and viewers should look forward to his next project.

Director: Justin Tipping
Starring: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers and Julia Fox

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