Why Do Critics Hate This Disturbingly Graphic Horror Film That Everyone Loves?

HIM is a unique film that blends psychological horror with a critique of the idolisation of athletes, particularly within American football. Through its haunting visuals and disorienting narrative, it explores the cost of greatness and the exploitation of young players.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• HIM critiques the idolisation of athletes in American football.
• The film presents a psychological horror experience rather than traditional horror.
• It portrays football as a brutal arena, highlighting exploitation and injury.
• The relationship between the protagonist and his mentor evolves into a disturbing dynamic.
• The film questions the identity of individuals trained to worship greatness.

Visual Language and Atmosphere

From the opening shot, HIM captivates the audience with its striking visual language. The film features sweeping desert landscapes and nightmarish lighting, reminiscent of the unique styles found in the works of director Jordan Peele. This visual immersion sets the tone for a narrative that delves into the fragmented psyche of its protagonist, Cameron.

Cameron is portrayed as a young man willing to sacrifice everything for greatness, and the psychological horror manifests as a slow-burn tension that creeps up on viewers. The film explores whether Cameron's head injury is distorting his sense of reality, adding layers of complexity to his experience.

A Departure from Traditional Horror

While HIM may be likened to the dialogue-heavy horror films popularised by studios like A24, it transcends these conventions. Instead, it evokes the sensation of an acid trip or fever dream, leaving audiences altered in ways they may struggle to articulate. This unique approach demands that viewers engage deeply with the film's themes and visual storytelling.

The Cult of Athleticism

One of the film's most chilling sequences occurs during a drill with a group of free agents, who resemble a bizarre cult. Their costumes blur the line between the mundane and the macabre, disorienting viewers with subtle hints that all is not as it seems. These men train for a brutal, ritualistic version of football, echoing the real-life mania surrounding the sport.

As Cameron participates in the drills, the tension escalates. When a volunteer steps up to be a target, the pressure mounts. The sickening crunch of the football striking the volunteer’s face serves as a visceral reminder of the violence inherent in the sport.

Critique of Idolisation and Exploitation

At its core, HIM critiques the idolisation of athletes, particularly in American football. Stars like Isaiah White are revered as gods, yet they are simultaneously dehumanised as commodities by the businessmen who manage them. Just outside the training compound, a fervent group of fans worship White, reflecting the toxic devotion often seen in real-world sports fandom.

This surreal, cult-like atmosphere is unsettling, paralleling the disturbing reality of how athletes are often treated as deities. The film portrays football as an arena of ritualistic brutality, where concussions and injuries are collateral damage in the pursuit of glory.

The Descent into Darkness

Cameron’s journey illustrates how young, Black players are lured into the system with the promise of escaping poverty through fame and fortune. However, the film raises critical questions about the cost of such aspirations. The relationship between Cameron and Isaiah evolves into a master-apprentice dynamic that becomes increasingly manipulative and disturbing.

As Cameron trains, the audience shares in his unease and paranoia, reflecting the psychological horror that permeates the film. The narrative blurs the lines between reality and imagination, leaving viewers questioning the impact of Cameron's accumulating head injuries on his perception of the world.

Allure of Fame

Despite its critical lens, HIM also captures the allure of football fame. Cameron begins as a naive young man with a clear hierarchy of priorities: God, family, and football. However, as his training intensifies, he faces the temptation to sacrifice his morality for the sake of stardom.

The film poignantly asks: when you’ve been trained to worship greatness, what happens to your own identity? This question resonates throughout the narrative as Cameron grapples with his sense of self amidst the chaos of ambition and exploitation.

Exposing the Cycle of Exploitation

HIM does not merely critique football; it exposes how the sport thrives on inequality. The film illustrates how the desperate dreams of young men fuel the machinery of exploitation, using Cameron’s journey as an allegory for this systemic issue. As viewers witness the brutality and sacrifices involved in pursuit of greatness, the narrative becomes a reflection on societal values surrounding success and ambition.

A Daring Addition to the Genre

In conclusion, HIM transcends traditional genre boundaries, offering a grotesque examination of ambition, exploitation, and the price of greatness. While it may not be the tightest film of the year, its daring narrative and haunting visuals make it a memorable addition to the horror and sports film canon. The overwhelming experience of HIM mirrors the violent and often incomprehensible nature of football itself.

Ultimately, HIM is a film that demands to be felt, leaving audiences to grapple with its complex themes and unsettling imagery long after the credits roll.

FAQs

What is the main theme of HIM?

The main theme of HIM is the critique of the idolisation of athletes and the exploitation of young players in American football. It explores the psychological horror associated with the pursuit of greatness.

How does the film portray the relationship between Cameron and Isaiah?

The relationship between Cameron and Isaiah starts as a mentorship but gradually evolves into a disturbing dynamic, with Isaiah's guidance becoming manipulative and exploitative.

What makes HIM different from traditional horror films?

HIM distinguishes itself from traditional horror films by focusing on psychological tension and surreal imagery rather than relying on dialogue-heavy narratives or jump scares.

What message does HIM convey about sports fandom?

HIM conveys a message about the toxic devotion of sports fandom, illustrating how fans can worship athletes with an almost religious fervour while ignoring the exploitation behind the scenes.

Is HIM purely a horror film?

No, HIM is not purely a horror film. It combines elements of psychological horror with a critique of ambition and exploitation in sports, making it a unique addition to the genre.