Review: Him (2025) – A Horror-Fueled Riff on NFL’s Juiciest Quarterback Dramas

        Him (2025), a sports horror film from Jordan Peele’s Monkey paw Productions and directed by Justin Tipping, transforms the cutthroat world of NFL quarterback transitions into a chilling allegory of ambition and betrayal. Starring Tyriq Withers as Cam Cade, a young quarterback recovering from a brutal injury, and Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White, a legendary QB whose mentorship hides a sinister agenda, the 1-hour-36-minute film dives into football’s dark underbelly—exploitation, sacrifice, and the quest to be the “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time). With a divisive 26% Rotten Tomatoes score and C- CinemaScore, Him doesn’t always stick the landing, but its premise screams inspiration from three iconic NFL quarterback handoffs: Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay), Drew Bledsoe to Tom Brady (New England), and Joe Montana to Steve Young (San Francisco). By focusing on the behind-the-scenes drama of these transitions—backstabbing, resentment, and power struggles—Him crafts a gripping, if flawed, narrative that mirrors the NFL’s messiest succession battles. Here’s my review, zeroing in on how the film channels the off-field chaos of these quarterback sagas.       

            Plot and Performances: A Nightmare of Rivalry Him follows Cam Cade, a rising NFL star sidelined by a vicious on-field attack and brain trauma, who seeks redemption at the isolated compound of his idol, Isaiah White, an eight-time champion. What begins as mentorship devolves into a psychological and physical gauntlet, with White’s charm masking a predatory plot tied to a shadowy cabal controlling football’s elite. The film’s themes—athlete commodification, CTE risks, and the bloody cost of greatness—draw heavily from real NFL quarterback dramas. Wayans is magnetic, his Isaiah White shifting from charismatic hero to menacing gatekeeper, stealing every scene. Withers delivers raw intensity as Cam, while Julia Fox’s Elsie White, the influencer wife, adds flair but feels underutilized. Visually stunning with a haunting score, Him falters with dim lighting and a sluggish second half, as critics noted, but its real strength lies in amplifying the behind-the-scenes turmoil of NFL’s most infamous QB transitions. 

          Behind-the-Scenes Drama: NFL Handoffs as Horror Inspiration Him’s core conflict—a veteran QB sabotaging his successor—feels ripped from the NFL’s most dramatic quarterback transitions. The off-field chaos of Favre-Rodgers, Bledsoe-Brady, and Montana-Young fuels the film’s horror, turning real-life rivalries into a blood-soaked power struggle. Here’s how each transition’s behind-the-scenes drama parallels Him’s narrative.

1. Green Bay (Favre to Rodgers): The Favre-Rodgers saga (2008) is Him’s most vivid muse, dripping with backstage vitriol. Brett Favre, the Packers’ gunslinging icon with a Super Bowl (XXXI) and three MVPs, announced retirement in March 2008 after 16 years, paving the way for Aaron Rodgers, drafted in 2005 as his heir. But Favre’s abrupt un-retirement in July, demanding his starting role back, ignited a firestorm. GM Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy stood by Rodgers, releasing Favre, who signed with the Jets and later the Vikings, fueling a public feud. Behind the scenes, Favre’s bitterness was palpable—he reportedly threw a helmet in frustration during a 2009 Vikings game against Green Bay, and insiders noted his resentment toward Rodgers’ rapid ascent. Fans booed Rodgers early on, torn by loyalty to Favre, who aired grievances publicly, calling the Packers’ decision a betrayal. Him mirrors this with Isaiah White’s refusal to cede the spotlight, manipulating Cam Cade to maintain control. The film’s horror—White’s cabal orchestrating Cam’s downfall—feels like a twisted take on Favre’s attempts to overshadow Rodgers, who later won a Super Bowl (XLV) and four MVPs. The backstage drama of egos and divided loyalties makes this the film’s closest parallel.
2. New England (Bledsoe to Brady): The Bledsoe-Brady transition (2001) hinges on a brutal injury but simmers with behind-the-scenes tension that Him amplifies. Drew Bledsoe, the Patriots’ franchise face since 1993, signed a record $103M deal in 2001 but struggled (7-19 in his last 26 starts). A Week 2 hit by Jets LB Mo Lewis caused internal bleeding, nearly killing him, and thrust sixth-round pick Tom Brady into the starting role. Behind closed doors, Bledsoe felt blindsided by coach Bill Belichick’s decision to stick with Brady, even after Bledsoe returned for a heroic AFC Championship stint. Traded to Buffalo in 2002, Bledsoe later admitted feeling like a “footnote” to Brady’s rise, with reports of locker-room whispers questioning Belichick’s loyalty. Him echoes this with Cam’s injury (a nod to Bledsoe’s trauma) and White’s manipulative mentorship, suggesting a veteran orchestrating a rookie’s rise for his own gain. The film’s horror twist—a cabal exploiting Cam’s vulnerability—could symbolize the Patriots’ cold, calculated shift to Brady, who sparked a dynasty. The backstage drama of Bledsoe’s sidelining fuels Him’s paranoia about who controls the game.
3. San Francisco (Montana to Young): The Montana-Young handover (1991-1993) is Him’s most cerebral inspiration, with behind-the-scenes tension masked by professionalism. Joe Montana, the 49ers’ four-time Super Bowl champ, was sidelined by elbow injuries in 1991-92, giving Steve Young, acquired in 1987, his shot. Coach Bill Walsh deliberately fostered competition, but Montana felt disrespected when Young was named starter in 1991, leading to a sideline spat in 1992 and Montana’s 1993 trade to Kansas City. Behind the scenes, teammates like Jerry Rice navigated divided loyalties, and Montana’s camp believed the 49ers rushed him out, despite Young’s immediate success (70.8% completion, 105.1 rating). Him channels this orchestrated rivalry, with White grooming Cam like Walsh groomed Young, only to reveal a sinister agenda. The film’s cabal mirrors the 49ers’ calculated succession, but its bloody climax reimagines Montana’s trade as a violent power grab. Young’s Super Bowl XXIX win and MVP status reflect Cam’s potential, but Him twists the drama into a nightmare of control.

Similarities to Him’s Backstage Chaos The behind-the-scenes drama of these transitions fuels Him’s horror, with clear parallels:

• Veteran Resentment: Favre’s public feud, Bledsoe’s sidelining, and Montana’s trade reflect Isaiah White’s refusal to let Cam shine, turning mentorship into sabotage.
• Locker-Room Tension: Each transition split loyalties—Packers fans booing Rodgers, Patriots players questioning Belichick, 49ers stars like Rice picking sides—mirroring Him’s depiction of a fractured team under White’s influence.
• Orchestrated Power Plays: The 49ers’ deliberate QB competition and the Patriots’ swift pivot to Brady echo Him’s cabal, suggesting hidden forces (coaches, execs, or worse) control who rises.
• Injury’s Role: Bledsoe’s hit and Montana’s elbow issues, like Cam’s trauma, show how physical vulnerability sparks succession drama, amplified in Him as a gateway to exploitation.

            Strengths and Weaknesses Him’s greatest strength is how it weaves these real-life dramas into horror. The Favre-Rodgers feud’s raw bitterness infuses White’s villainy with chilling authenticity, making his betrayal feel like Favre’s helmet-throwing tantrums taken to a deadly extreme. Bledsoe’s injury and Montana’s trade add layers to Cam’s vulnerability and White’s calculated control, grounding the film’s cabal in the NFL’s ruthless power dynamics. Wayans’ performance is a standout, channeling the charisma and ego of a Favre or Montana, while the film’s visuals and score amplify the paranoia of backstage betrayals. Yet, Him fumbles in execution. The second half’s pacing, as critics noted, drags, stretching the QB drama metaphor into predictable horror beats. Unlike the real transitions, which resolved decisively (Rodgers’ MVPs, Brady’s dynasty, Young’s Super Bowl), Him’s climax feels rushed, diluting its commentary on NFL politics. The racial subtext—Cam as a Black QB facing a white-dominated system—could’ve leaned harder into Young’s minority status or Rodgers’ fan scrutiny but feels like an afterthought. Still, the film’s ability to turn locker-room drama into a nightmare keeps it compelling. Final Verdict: A Gripping, Messy Thriller Him is a thrilling, flawed ride that transforms the backstage chaos of NFL quarterback transitions into horror. The Favre-Rodgers feud’s toxicity, Bledsoe-Brady’s injury-driven betrayal, and Montana-Young’s calculated rivalry fuel a narrative that’s as unsettling as it is familiar. Wayans’ chilling turn and the film’s bold premise make it a must-see for football and horror fans, but its uneven pacing keeps it from true greatness. Like the QBs it echoes, Him aims for GOAT status but settles for a memorable, messy run. As Wayans said on Instagram, “go see for yourself.” It’s a wild spin on NFL drama that hits hard, even if it doesn’t always score.