Jordan Peele's foray into football-themed horror, "Him," isn't your typical sports movie. It's a bizarre, often illogical, yet strangely compelling exploration of the dark underbelly of professional football, leaving viewers questioning how NBCUniversal, a major NFL broadcasting partner, ever allowed this film to see the light of day.
The movie centers on two quarterbacks: the aging superstar Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), based loosely on Tom Brady, and his ambitious replacement, Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers). Cade, recovering from a mysterious brain injury, enters Isaiah's unsettling training compound, where the line between fandom and obsession blurs. The film immediately throws the viewer into a world of crazed fans, showcasing the almost cult-like devotion surrounding star quarterbacks. This devotion, the movie argues, is not just a harmless enthusiasm; it’s a breeding ground for disturbing behavior.
"Him" isn't afraid to tackle controversial themes. It doesn't shy away from depicting the ruthless competitiveness of the NFL, showing the lengths some players will go to maintain their positions. The film presents a disturbing picture of the sacrifices made – both physical and psychological – and the lengths to which some will go, even resorting to violence and ritualistic practices to maintain power.
While the film's plot occasionally stumbles into inconsistencies—such as the inexplicable lack of a draft and Cade's improbable landing on the league's top team—its unflinching portrayal of the sport's underbelly is undeniably captivating. The film's depiction of the toxic masculinity inherent in the competitive environment, and the parasitic nature of the symbiotic relationship between players, coaches, and fans, will likely resonate long after the credits roll.
The film’s most shocking aspect, however, is the willingness of NBCUniversal to allow such a scathing critique of the NFL, a league they broadcast regularly. The movie paints a picture of institutional corruption, where power brokers demand absolute loyalty and use ruthless tactics to maintain control. The final scene leaves the viewer contemplating the ambiguous morality of the situation, questioning what the film’s ultimate message may be: A cautionary tale, social commentary, or simply a bizarre horror flick? Regardless of your interpretation, 'Him' is a film that demands to be seen, if only for its audacity and unexpected insights into the world of professional football.
---
Originally published at: https://slate.com/culture/2025/09/him-movie-2025-nfl-football-nbc-jordan-peele.html
