What does it take to be the GOAT? A narcissistic dedication to self-importance and self-improvement or an actual deal with The Devil? Can people really make deals with The Devil? I’m getting sidetracked, but I’m thinking the unlikely recent rise to power of certain very mediocre people would explain a great deal. Anyway, Him seems to believe that either or both is true. This is a tale of two quarterbacks, one at the peak, another on the rise, as they summit to discuss how athletic greatness happens … in the creepiest way possible.
Cam Cade (Tyriq Withers) grew up idolizing Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans – this, btw, is the best performance ever by a Wayans and it’s sad that such is obvious). Finally a graduating college senior, the CamCader is ready for the draft when he gets bonked on the head by either The Devil or a really weird mascot. Put off by the fresh stitches, Cam misses the combine, which, by itself, will probably cost you at least a full round in the NFL Draft.
Never fear! Cam has been invited by Isaiah White himself (!) to a special training camp in Isaiah’s underground bunker/cult space. From the lack-of-greeting after drop-off to the introduction of Isaiah, who seems to be ironing animal pelts -as one does- the introduction to the legendary San Antonio Savior QB is surreal and off-putting.
It only gets worse from there.
Cam is forced injections of Lord-knows-what? He’s forced to run in the desert and participate in drills where a random noob gets bludgeoned every time Cam misses a receiver. And all of it is paced by Isaiah White, elder statesman, the greatest QB the game has ever produced, and a truly weird human being. What does it take to be the GOAT? Sacrifice. Cam must be willing to sacrifice everything – freedom, teammates, utility, family… the list never ends and continues getting more personal; Isaiah needs to know Cam’s breaking point. Why?
And on a pure “this isn’t right, sports-wise” note: what happens if Cam takes all
this specialized knowledge and gets drafted by a different team? Did the screenplay honestly never even consider that possibility?
Him is a reasonable thriller and a reasonable horror. The setting and atmosphere makes for a wonderful adrenaline push. However, the film isn’t entirely clear on who the villain is, or even if there is a human villain or something more abstract? While the film emphasized the violent nature of the NFL more than any other film before it (and that includes Concussion), I’m not sure I bought the conclusion at all.
The elements of film greatness are here; we can see them in the trailer. But this film isn’t even an All-Pro, much less a GOAT. I’d be very interested to see where Justin Tipping goes from here.
There once was a phenom named Cam
Who opted to go pro over “am”
Invited by a GOAT tutor
A most peculiar suitor
He found the hideous behind the glam
Rated R, 96 Minutes
Director: Justin Tipping
Writer: Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, Justin Tipping
Genre: The fine line between American Football and evil
Type of being most likely to enjoy this film: Fans of football and horror
Type of being least likely to enjoy this film: Fans of neither
