HIM was a film I had been excited for since the first trailer debuted. It looked intriguing and exciting, using the sport of American football as a way to inject horror into it. Having now seen HIM, I can’t say there’s much that makes this film worth anything. I don’t think it’s the worst film of the year or unwatchable, but it is so bland, surface-level, and void of anything interesting that could give it life. The funniest part about HIM is how confident it seems in everything. I wouldn’t be surprised if a large majority of those involved thought they had something special on their hands, only to watch the overwhelmingly negative reviews roll in. Simply put, as I write this and think back on the film, I just feel nothing from it, which is one of the worst tragedies a film can commit. There are bad films that make you mad you watched them, and great films that make you feel everything. HIM, however, just makes me feel like I woke up from a dream I’ll completely forget by 6 PM that same night.

There is something buried deep within this film that could have been great. HIM shows us tiny glimpses of something interesting but makes sure never to utilize those ideas. It’s hard to even come up with much to discuss because there’s just not much to give a shit about here. One of the few interesting themes they fail to capitalize on is the idea of becoming older and being phased out by someone younger. They certainly attempt to tackle it, but it never feels impactful or fully given the chance to shine. The character Isaiah White, played by Marlon Wayans, is the absolute standout. He’s a legendary quarterback faced with retirement—the GOAT of football. Throughout the film, he repeatedly says he’s “gonna go watch some tape” and then walks off. By the third act, we see where he watches this tape: an eyeball-shaped screen on the ceiling, with his fans cheering and chanting his name, the thing he absolutely loves. White’s wife, Elsie White (played by Julia Fox), remarks that he’s getting jealous of the newcomer, Cameron Cade (played by Tyriq Withers). Eventually, Cade is presented with the chance to take the reins and become what White once was, with the screen showing the fans and the legacy of those who came before him.

On top of being mostly devoid of life, the ending doesn’t do it any favors either. I actually find it funny because it’s presented so confidently, yet it feels like the director and writers are just jerking themselves off, thinking they’re masterminds with this material. Much like the rest of the film, I don’t feel much here either. The ending is over the top for sure, but if you’re going to go that wild, why not make something that leaves the viewer with more? It isn’t even an ending worth discussing as you walk out of the theater—you’re just left with, “Yeah, I guess.”

And if it hadn’t bashed you in the face enough, did you catch the religious themes and how Isaiah White sacrifices everything for the sport, to the point of worship? His motto is Football. Family. God. He lives and breathes football, but we already know this because the filmmakers remind you more times than you can count. The scene referencing The Last Supper was especially jarring—and honestly, pretty funny. But good lord, what an eyeroll.

I do have to say, the strongest part of HIM is absolutely Marlon Wayans. At least while watching, I had Wayans to anchor the film and give it his all. Every scene with him—even those that fall flat—is propped up by his presence. If I can give this film credit for anything, it would be simply because of him. Could you imagine this same film with a stronger script and direction, but still starring Wayans? The training scenes where his character reveals his true dark side—cold, ruthless, and without remorse—are by far the most entertaining with actual substance. Forcing the young future quarterback to complete passing drills within a two-second window, or else a receiver takes a football to the face, was a cool idea. It added suspense as Cade cracked under the pressure, yelling at his receivers to step up. The game is no longer a game when you’re looking to become Him, the GOAT.

Tyriq Withers is also solid in the film, though I wouldn’t say his character is a standout. He isn’t given much to work with in terms of showcasing his range, but he does the best with what he has. I also enjoyed seeing Jim Jefferies on screen. His character arc is certainly more depressing, and one you can’t help but feel a little pity for.

Somewhere, I do believe a good film could have been made out of this premise. Unfortunately, what we got with HIM just isn’t it. One thing I will give credit for is the set design, lighting, and overall look of the film—they’re quite good. Occasionally, the filmmakers toss the audience a bone, saying, “Look! Something interesting!”—only to immediately squander it. If you’re looking for a film that actually delivers something more interesting, Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon would be a much better choice.