Unpacking the Dark Side of Football Fandom in “Him”
American society places immense pressure on producing exceptional quarterbacks, making it all the more puzzling that some teams, like the Jets, struggle to find and retain top talent. This phenomenon is touched upon in the new horror thriller “Him,” which explores the themes of football, fandom, and the blurred lines between reality and obsession.
The film, directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, delves into the world of football as a form of modern gladiatorial combat, where quarterbacks are idolized and scrutinized. The story follows Cameron “Cam” Cade, a young quarterback who grows up idolizing Saviors quarterback Isaiah White, played by Marlon Wayans. As Cam navigates his journey to the pros, he finds himself entangled in a surreal and disorienting experience that challenges his perceptions of the sport and himself.
A Critical Examination of Football Culture
While “Him” attempts to make a statement about the cult-like fervor surrounding football, it ultimately falls short by relying too heavily on a single, repetitive theme. The film’s allegorical approach, although visually striking, grows tedious and fails to fully explore the complexities of football culture. Despite this, the movie does raise important questions about the sacrifices athletes make for the sake of the sport and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
The film’s use of a pagan spirit-slash-mascot as a plot device serves as a metaphor for the darker aspects of football fandom, where players are often seen as mere commodities rather than human beings. This is evident in the character of Isaiah White, who pushes Cam to extremes, blurring the lines between mentorship and manipulation. The atmosphere is tense and unsettling, with a hallucinatory quality that adds to the sense of unease.
Assessing the Film’s Impact and Relevance
Despite its shortcomings, “Him” does have some notable style and a potent premise, courtesy of Justin Tipping’s direction and Jordan Peele’s production. The film’s themes of football as a form of life-or-death struggle are thought-provoking, even if they are not fully developed. The movie’s R-rating, due to strong bloody violence, language, and sexual material, serves as a warning to viewers who may be sensitive to such content.
In conclusion, while “Him” may not be a entirely successful film, it does offer a unique perspective on the world of football and the fandom that surrounds it. For those interested in exploring the darker side of sports culture, “Him” may be worth watching, if only for its ambitious attempt to tackle complex themes.
This image released by Universal Pictures shows Tyriq Withers in a scene from “Him.” (Universal Pictures via AP)
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