Diving into Him (2025) Reviews: Marlon Wayans Shines in a Bold New Horror Flick

The first Him (2025) Reviews are rolling in, and Marlon Wayans is stealing the spotlight with a daring performance that’s turning heads in the horror genre.

Released in the United States on September 19, 2025, by Universal Pictures, the film has sparked a mix of reactions, from praise for Wayans’ dark turn to critiques of its uneven narrative.

Directed by Justin Tipping and produced with Jordan Peele’s involvement, this sports-horror hybrid follows a young football player’s descent into a nightmarish training camp, and early feedback is painting a vivid picture of its strengths and stumbles.

What Do Critics Say About Marlon Wayans’ Performance?

Critics are raving about Marlon Wayans’ portrayal of Isaiah White, the aging quarterback with a chilling edge.

IMDb’s review summary from September 19, 2025, highlights his blend of psychological torment and physical intensity, calling it a standout that elevates the film to a 5.5/10 rating.

Rotten Tomatoes echoes this, with early reviews noting his shift from comedy to a serious role, reminiscent of his work in Requiem for a Dream, as mentioned in a Variety article dated September 20, 2025.

Some speculate Wayans could snag award buzz, though this remains unverified fan chatter. His performance anchors the film, with reviewers praising his unpredictable energy, even as the story wavers.

How Has the Plot Been Received?

The plot centers on a young athlete, played by Tyriq Withers, training under Wayans’ character at an isolated compound, where dark secrets unravel.

Rotten Tomatoes’ consensus, updated September 21, 2025, describes it as an “unfocused attempt at a socially resonant genre movie,” with the first two acts showing promise before a muddled conclusion.

IMDb notes a twist involving a contract and a hammer-wielding climax, but critics like those at Variety feel the setup’s potential for fame and sacrifice themes didn’t fully land.

Fan theories on Reddit suggest a deeper allegory, though these are unconfirmed. The mixed reception reflects a film that intrigues but struggles to tie its threads together.

What About the Supporting Cast and Direction?

Tyriq Withers earns praise as the rising star, with IMDb reviewers calling his performance strong and emotional. Julia Fox’s role as a pale-haired figure adds visual intrigue, though her impact is debated, per Rotten Tomatoes.

Justin Tipping’s direction gets mixed marks, with Variety appreciating stylistic moments and cinematography, yet critiquing the third act’s execution.

Jordan Peele’s producer credit raises expectations, but no evidence links him to directorial input.

The cast’s chemistry shines in spots, though some reviews suggest tighter pacing could have helped.

Are There Any Standout Technical Aspects?

The film’s technical elements draw attention. Variety highlights stunning cinematography, with beautiful shots enhancing the eerie compound setting. The soundtrack, featuring singles like “Him” by Denzel Curry released September 18, 2025, adds a modern edge, as noted on Wikipedia.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes commend these aspects, though they note they can’t fully salvage the narrative’s weaknesses.Speculation about special effects in the climax exists, but without official breakdowns, it’s hard to verify. The visual style remains a bright spot amid the critiques.

Some Closing Thoughts: What’s the Overall Verdict on Him (2025)?

Him (2025) Reviews paint a picture of a film that’s bold yet flawed, with Marlon Wayans’ performance as the highlight in an otherwise uneven horror tale.

Scoring a 5.5/10 on IMDb and a “generally negative” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a polarizing entry that showcases Wayans’ range while leaving room for growth.

As audiences weigh in, the movie’s mix of scares and sports offers a unique, if bumpy, ride worth watching for its standout moments.

Would you venture out anytime soon to check out Him? Let us know in the comments section down below.