The phrase “I’m Him,” made popular by Odell Beckham Jr. in 2019, transcends its sports origins as it headlines “HIM,” a new sports-horror film. Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, the movie uses football as a backdrop to delve into heavy themes like power, obsession, and the dangers of mentorship gone awry.
“HIM” stars Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White, a storied quarterback, while Tyriq Withers, a former Florida State walk-on, plays his protégé Cameron Cade. While the film includes classic scares, it raises a significant question: How can the pursuit of greatness become something terrifying?
Justin Tipping, a former athlete himself, was drawn to the story’s blend of sports and horror. He saw an opportunity to merge two often-unrelated worlds on screen, creating a film with both psychological and physical elements. Tipping’s experience as a collegiate athlete and film student shaped his directorial vision, insisting on authenticity and athletic training for Withers to convincingly portray a professional quarterback.
Withers’ journey parallels his character’s challenges. Transitioning from a high school wide receiver to a collegiate athlete at Florida State instilled him with the resolve and discipline necessary for both football and acting. During his college years, he absorbed crucial life lessons from influential teammates, particularly running back Dalvin Cook, who became a key inspiration for his role.
To bring Cade’s role to life, Withers trained under quarterback consultant Jordan Palmer, who helped him embody the physicality and presence of a top-tier quarterback. The training mirrored Withers’ dedication to the craft, blending elements of fiction and reality.
“HIM” explores the added pressures faced by Black quarterbacks, reflecting a broader conversation about race and perception in the sporting world. The narrative further explores themes of ambition, questioning the ethics of success and the sacrifices along the way. By touching on real-world struggles, the film offers a compelling commentary on the cost of greatness — a concept both White and Cade grapple with throughout the story.
“HIM” isn’t just a sports or horror film; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of ambition and identity. As Tipping emphasizes, it questions not only the definition of greatness but also the compromises individuals make in pursuit of their goals. Both poignant and unsettling, the film encourages viewers and athletes to reflect on their values and choices.
Tyriq Withers’ story is one of determination and resilience, serving as a reminder that the path to success is not always linear. His journey through sports into acting exemplifies how perseverance and passion can bridge disparate worlds, ultimately leading to unexpected and rewarding destinations.