HIM is a horror movie about Cameron Cade, a rising young quarterback who gets a brain injury before turning professional. He gets a chance to train at the isolated compound of his idol, a legendary superstar quarterback named Isaiah White. As they train, Cameron discovers that Isaiah's lessons are actually part of a dark and dangerous trap. The movie uses this scary setup to criticize toxic masculinity, athlete worship, and the exploitation of Black players in sports.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for HIM.
Woke representation / casting
The film features a mostly Black main cast. This fits a football setting, but it also matches the studio's goal of putting Black actors in lead roles. There are no forced character swaps, but the casting highlights Black identity and the physical struggle of Black athletes.
12%
Woke political dialogue
The movie has speeches about the unfair history of professional sports. Characters talk about how the business takes advantage of Black players. These lines use modern social-justice ideas to criticize sports organizations.
35%
Identity-driven story themes
The story is a metaphor for how white-owned sports businesses exploit Black athletes. The plot focuses on the mental harm caused by toxic masculinity and the pressure to be the best.
42%
Western institutional / cultural critique
The movie criticizes American sports culture, fame, and traditional values like "God, family, football." It shows these traditional ideals as toxic, greedy, and bad for people.
48%
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. This is an original story.
0%
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Some viewers called the film "woke garbage" because of its focus on race and toxic masculinity. However, most viewers complained about the bad writing, messy editing, and confusing plot.
30%
Creator track record context
The crew has a history of making stories about social themes. This includes director Justin Tipping, producer Jordan Peele, casting director Carmen Cuba, and others who focus on diversity and social justice.
48%
Production
