Deep down, we all want to be the best at what we do or be a perfect version of ourselves. But how far are we willing to go to become an idol with fame and power? This idea is explored in director Justin Tipping’s upcoming sports body horror film, Him. Produced by Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw Productions, it follows an up-and-coming football player, Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers). He’s invited to train with the legendary football player Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans).
The trailer begins with Cade, who’s being interviewed. At first, it seems like any other sports film, such as Friday Night Lights or Any Given Sunday. We can see something is off in the first thirteen seconds, as we see cheerleaders with no faces. It’s as if they’re not the ones that matter. You’re not here to see them; you’re here to see the football stars making their entrance.
Training with White
He’s asked to elaborate on his training with White, and his response is, “I want to be the GOAT [greatest of all time].” We even see a young Cade going back and forth with whom we presume is his father. His father asks, “Who are you?” Cade responds with, “I’m him, it’s my time.” This further pushes the idea that Cade has always been pushed to be the best, and he can only accept himself as the best.
We even see a poster of White in Cade’s home, implying that White is like an idol to him. It seems like Cade is being trained to be the next quarterback of an unknown team. The trailer then shows more of his training with White at an isolated camp, where White puts him through a bloody, chilling, and gruesome training regimen. White says that in football, “violence is rewarded.” It speaks volumes to the game. Football is a rough contact sport where we cheer when the opposing team is tackled to the ground or injured. The violence isn’t quiet. It’s loud and in your face, just like in the film.
Violence is Rewarded
They don’t try to hide what they’re doing in this trailer either. We see a machine that throws footballs at someone’s face until it is bloody and broken. However, the player smiles as he gets back up to face another round of beatings. We also see White inhaling something through an oxygen mask. We aren’t told what it is, but he offers Cade a hit. It’s then used as a way to demean and taunt Cade, as he’s told it’s okay if he can’t handle it. While it seems that Cade is being pressured to do things he may not want to, he doesn’t want to appear weak in front of his idol.
He is constantly told he’s too slow and that he’s letting his teammates down. It pushes him to the bottom metaphorically, putting him in a mindset where he doesn’t think he’s good enough. He has to climb to the top and earn it. He then injects himself with an unknown substance. Maybe a performance enhancer of some kind?
One interesting motif shown in both the teaser and main trailer is Cade’s awakening. Why sleep? Sleep is for the weak, and he’s not weak. Cade must be the best, so if he wants to stay on top, he must be working toward that 24/7. We are also introduced to Elsie White (Julia Fox), Isaiah’s wife. She tries to warn Cade by asking him, “Do you want to know what you’re getting yourself into?” But Cade, unwavering, is certain about what he wants to do.
Strange Times
Strange images begin appearing to Cade as he sees a double of himself. We see two body doubles with footballs for heads. There’s even a quick scene with a body wearing a mask of what appears to be a skinned pig’s face. The gory images collaborate to give viewers a lot of symbolism and insight without revealing too much. One in particular stood out, as Cade grabs what seems to be a goat’s head. It may represent him taking away the title from White. No one is just going to hand him things. He has to earn them and take them for himself.
We end the trailer on the final image of Cade presenting himself on the field, covered in blood. The goat’s head is next to him. The faceless cheerleaders surround the field. It all culminates around the sigil he’s standing on. Is it spiritual or the sign of a satanic cult? We will have to wait and see when the movie comes out on September 19. With Jordan Peele backing the film up, it is sure to be a psychologically bloody ride!
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