Him is a new football thriller featuring Marlon Wayans and Tyreek Withers, directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele. The film explores the journey of an upcoming quarterback, played by Tyreek Withers, who is being mentored by a former great, portrayed by Marlon Wayans. The mentor's intense methods and the eccentric setting intensify the narrative.
The director draws attention to Marlon Wayans's dramatic performance, reminiscent of his role in Requiem for a Dream. The film is set in a secluded location where the training occurs. Despite the intense visuals and stylistic flourishes, the film doesn't quite convey a deeper message, leaving the audience feeling that it lacks a substantial narrative.
Although Him attempts to capture the gripping intensity of films like Whiplash, it doesn't quite reach the same level of narrative completion. The film boasts impressive visuals, but they sometimes overshadow the storyline. The structure of the movie, laid out in chapters by days, gives it a unique rhythm but can seem tedious to some viewers.
The film's themes of striving for athletic greatness and the pressure faced by young athletes are compelling. However, the narrative feels thin, as it spends more time on visual flair rather than developing the plot. The ending delivers a powerful scene, but by then, viewers might have already disengaged.
Overall, while Him strives for a dynamic and visually engaging presentation, it may fall short in delivering a cohesive story. For audiences interested in similar themes, "Devil's Advocate" might be a more fulfilling choice. Him remains an interesting cinematic experiment that offers a unique, albeit flawed, experience.