Him Movie Review: Jordan Peele’s Latest Horror Production Misses the Mark.
As the Halloween season creeps in, horror fans like myself eagerly await fresh chills and terrifying new stories. When news broke that Jordan Peele was producing a new film titled HIM, the excitement was real. Peele has made a name for himself by redefining modern horror with films like Get Out and Us, so expectations were naturally high.
But sometimes, even with a powerhouse name behind it, a film can fall short. And unfortunately, HIM did just that.
The trailer for HIM promised mystery, tension, and a storyline that would push boundaries, but once the movie started, the so-called “horror” never really arrived. There were no jump scares, no spine-tingling moments, and no shocking twists to make you grip your seat. Instead, what unfolded felt like a series of slow, drawn-out sequences that struggled to build suspense, leaving you wondering if this was really meant to be a horror film.
Where HIM does succeed is in its style. The slow-motion transitions and immersive soundtrack create some genuinely mesmerizing moments. It’s clear a lot of care went into the visual and audio presentation — the movie looks and sounds great. Unfortunately, style alone can’t carry a horror movie. Atmosphere is only half the battle, and without a compelling, believable story, the chills quickly fade into indifference.
Image Courtesy of Monkeypaw Productions.
The premise centers on a recruit’s grueling journey to join a mysterious league, but it never feels convincing. Instead of drawing audiences into a frightening, fully realized world, it comes off as hollow. It’s a concept that seems stuck in the brainstorming stage and at times, it even recalls the rushed, underdeveloped feel of projects like Boo! A Madea Halloween, leaving the movie unsure of its identity.
The performances are a mixed bag. Marlon Wayans, one of the more recognizable cast members, brings his signature personality to the role, but the character doesn’t quite suit him. You can see the effort from the protagonist, played by Tyriq Withers, who tries to carry both the story and the horror elements, but the film’s weaknesses leave him stranded. Even strong performances can’t fully rescue a movie that struggles with pacing and narrative coherence.
Walking out of the theater, HIM leaves a sense of disappointment. There’s a lot to admire in the visuals, the soundtrack, and the actors’ efforts, but horror is about more than just atmosphere — it’s about fear, surprise, and storytelling that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Sadly, HIM offers little of that. For horror fans hoping for a seasonal scare, it may not deliver, serving instead as a reminder that even promising projects can falter when style overshadows substance.
HIM is playing in theaters now, and while it didn’t quite hit the mark for us, it’s always worth seeing a movie for yourself. Grab some popcorn, head to the theater, and decide firsthand whether the style, performances, and story work for you. After all, every viewer’s experience is a little different!