The term “HIM” has gained popularity in the sports world over the past few years, particularly in the NFL. The term refers to a player who has become elite at his position on the team. That position is usually a highly visible position, such as a wide receiver, running back, or quarterback. If teammates or opponents refer to that player as HIM, then that player is one of the best in the league and is likely one of the highest-paid players in the sport. A new film decided to dig deep into how an American football player can become known as HIM.

Since he was a small child, Cameron (Tyriq Withers) has idolized Isaiah (Marlon Wayans), a superstar QB for a professional football team named the Saviors. The NFL is not involved in the making of this film, so it is set in a fictional national football league. When Isaiah is horribly injured during a game, he manages to return to the sport and become the GOAT. Cameron tries to follow in his footsteps, becoming a superstar QB in the college football world, and becomes a highly sought draft prospect.

One day, Cameron was practicing at his old high school football field by himself when he was attacked on the field by a mysterious stranger and was left with a head injury. The head injury is so severe that the doctor is afraid it might ruin his chances of playing in pro football. But he’s also invited to stay at Isaiah’s desert compound as the superstar considers retirement.

Excited at the thought of learning from the best player in the league, once Cameron arrived at Isaiah’s training facility, he was subjected to five days of punishing training that blurs his sense of reality and punishes his body, enduring Isaiah’s madness that appears to be in service of toughening up the newcomer, but soon reveals a different purpose. Cameron is also being seduced by Isaiah’s wife, Elsie (Julia Fox), and her friends. To keep his body in shape, an insane medical professional (Jim Jeffries) keeps injecting Cameron’s body with mysterious drugs. As his training progresses, Cameron isn’t sure if he’s seeing things or if what’s happening around him is reality.

The screenplay is credited to three writers, Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, and Justin Tipping, who also directed the film. What they’re trying to tell is how far a player will go to try to be an NFL star. Anyone who follows American football will understand what Cameron is trying to do. Being an elite, aka HIM, in the National Football League is like being a movie star. You get to make generational wealth and other opportunities that come with being a superstar athlete. I really liked the first half of Cameron’s journey, and I thought it might lead to something weird and dreadful. I was partially correct. When the writers introduced the horror elements, it put the brakes on the story. I get the metaphor of being a modern gladiator in this sport, but the blood-soaked finale kind of came out of nowhere.

Tyriq Withers is the star of the film, and he’s very good here. Of course, he looks kind of like the current superstar of the NFL, Patrick Mahomes. He has the build of a real NFL player and enough charisma to be a leading man in a movie. I was never a fan of Marlon Wayans, and I was skeptical of him playing a football player. But he was decent here as a sociopathic character who will do anything to stay in power and be the GOAT.

While it isn’t perfect, I enjoyed what the filmmakers were trying to say here. I follow the NFL religiously, so I understand the idea of players trying to be great in the league and will do anything to get there. I do think if this were directed by a more seasoned and talented director, it would’ve been something special. The film will likely be divisive, but I think it will be a cult his down the road. If you’re in the mood for a weird film about football, you might enjoy it.

So, have you seen HIM? Well, what do you think?

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