The 2025 sports horror movie, Him, is already headed for a swift transition from being on the big screen to your living room. Starring Marlon Wayans, the movie will be available on PVOD starting October 7, 2025, which is just 18 days after its theatrical debut (September 19, 2025).
‘HIM’ releases on digital platforms on October 7.
• Only 18 days after its theatrical release
• Has a 31% score on Rotten Tomatoes
• Grossed $22M globally on a $27M budget pic.twitter.com/3OBHLVOa3o
Considering it’s produced by Jordan Peele, a prominent name in the horror genre, our expectations were quite high from the start. Aside from Peele, Justin Tipping is the man behind the lens of the film. Yet, despite the big names, the film has found itself in a critical and commercial storm, with underwhelming figures.
Marlon Wayans’ Him Splits Opinions Among Viewers and Critics
The reaction to Him differs from person to person so much that you’d think they’ve not even watched the same film. On one side, critics have largely panned the movie with a 32% rating on the Tomatometer, whereas the audience has been more forgiving with 58% (via Rotten Tomatoes).
Common themes in its negative reviews include a confusing plot, lack of coherent storytelling, and a finale that abandons its premise. But for the ones who enjoyed Him, its visual flair and ambition seemed more important than the narrative’s shortcomings.
Did Him Crumble Under the Weight of Its Own Ambition?
But, no matter what anyone says, the figures do not lie. Him had a production budget of $27 million (via The Numbers), and so far, its worldwide box office is $22.3 million. So why did this happen? The evidence suggests that Him is a film that crumbled under its own ambition.
The goal was to create an allegory about the price of greatness, the cult of sports celebrities, and the bargains one makes for victory. The premise of a young quarterback, who discovers the horrific supernatural sacrifices he’d have to make to become the greatest of all time, had a lot of potential.
But the feature’s execution failed to support its grand themes. The visuals were beautiful, but let down by the script, and its final act left many confused. Wanting to be a high-concept think piece, while also being an aesthetic horror experience, appears to be the thing that ultimately doomed Him.
Yes, the movie did dare to take a big swing, but it missed the mark according to a majority of critics and a substantial portion of its audience. But what do you think of Him? Is it a misunderstood gem or a complete mess that tries too hard?
Him is currently playing in theaters (USA).
