If you’re seeking a film that cleverly blends genre, mood and unexpectedly deep heart, then look no further than HIM by Jordan Peele—a triumph of smart scares, meaningful emotion and richly layered storytelling.
From the opening frames, HIM establishes an atmosphere that’s quietly unsettling, then gradually builds into something unforgettable. Peele’s command of tone is impeccable: he balances the uncanny and the everyday, delivering moments of tension and surprise without ever losing sight of the characters at the centre.
The lead performance is nothing short of riveting. We meet a protagonist whose fears and desires feel startlingly real, making each supernatural or thriller beat feel grounded in genuine emotional stakes. The relationships onscreen crackle with authenticity, and when the story pivots into high-intensity territory you’re already invested—so the payoff lands hard.
Visually, HIM is striking. The cinematography captures ordinary spaces—homes, hallways, familiar rooms—then transforms them into places of dread and wonder. The sound design supports this metamorphosis beautifully: subtle creaks, long silences, and then the sudden jolt. It’s never gratuitous; the film builds its scares the way a master craftsman sculpts, patiently, deliberately.
What elevates HIM beyond a typical genre entry is how it engages with deeper themes. Identity, legacy, memory—these ideas quietly inform the narrative, giving it weight beyond the thrills. You’ll find yourself thinking about the film long after the credits roll, and maybe noticing things you missed on first viewing.
Peele stands confidently at the intersection of horror, psychological drama and social commentary, and HIM feels like a mature evolution of his voice. It doesn’t rely on cheap jump-scares or gratuitous shocks; instead, the tension is rooted in the characters’ vulnerability and the ever-present sense that something is off.
In short: HIM is smart, stylish and emotionally resonant. It’s rare to find a film that satisfies on both the visceral level (yes, you’ll jump) and the reflective one (yes, you’ll think). Highly recommended for anyone who wants more than just a scare-ride—this is one of those movies that earns its place in the conversation.
Don’t miss it.
Genre: Horror
Cast: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies
Director: Justin Tipping
Screenplay by: Zack Akers & Skip Bronkie and Justin Tipping
Producers: Ian Cooper, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Jamal M. Watson
Executive Producers: David Kern, Kate Oh
Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual material, nudity and some drug use.
moviepixie.com 