Hooptober XII: 4/32

Based on its previews and premise alone, Justin Tipping’s HIM felt like the perfect combination of the two most prevalent worlds and cultures in my life: sports and horror. The Jordan Peele produced psychedelic athlete horror film unwinds its narrative with much more of a surreal, heady touch than expected, deftly playing upon the psychotic psyche of an athlete consumed by their dream.  

Stylistically, HIM stands at or near the top of this year’s horror heap. Such gorgeous lighting and cinematography provides an ideal visual backdrop for Tipping’s obsessively twisted story to unfold upon, while its inhuman, shifting score twists angular synth and sub bass into a cacophony of confounding electronic reverberations. There is an ocean’s worth to adore when it comes to the look and feel of HIM. 

Plot wise, there isn’t exactly new ground being broken, and things play rather expectedly, albeit more refined than much of the horror that enters my world. I do have to say this though. I’m getting a little tired of the modern horror trope of relinquishing one’s smartphone. While there’s a weightier protagonist phone removal scene that sort of stays in line with its premise, it’s still a tired trope that rubs me the wrong way nonetheless. I’m eager to see how horror writing minds move past this staple in the future. 

A fun Hooptober season watch that maybe didn’t get as deeply psychological as I’d hoped, but dammit if it’s not a blast. Fun, poise, leadership, resilience, vision, sacrifice… HIM. 
🏈🏟️🩸💉🏪😵