Jordan Peele’s Forgotten Horror Gem Him Finds New Life On Netflix

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I stumbled upon this Jordan Peele film recently, and it’s amazing it flew under the radar when it first came out in theaters back in September 2025. It’s finally getting the attention it deserves now that it’s on Netflix! Honestly, it’s a really unique blend – think the social commentary and scares of Get Out mixed with the heartwarming story of The Blind Side. That combination is exactly what’s making it a hit right now, and I’m so glad more people are discovering this gem.

When Him first came out in theaters, people weren’t sure how to react to Justin Tipping’s fast-paced and visually striking sports thriller. Initial reactions focused on its unconventional style, overlooking its strengths. But now, in April 2026, with millions watching at home, viewers are discovering that Him is a much more intelligent and well-crafted film than it was originally given credit for, especially considering the support of Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and its bold creative choices.

Him Turns Sports Drama Into Something Much Darker

The film cleverly subverts the typical inspiring sports story, like those seen in ‘Get Out’ and ‘The Blind Side’. Rather than focusing on a positive mentor-athlete relationship, it introduces college quarterback Cam Cade (Tyriq Withers) to a secretive and heavily guarded desert facility overseen by former football star Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans).

The film begins as an elite training camp, but quickly transforms into a horrifying group obsessed with athletic rituals and sacrifice. Instead of simply being a sports movie or a slasher film, Him skillfully combines elements of both genres.

The film Him uses the intense physicality of American football and the way young Black athletes are often treated as products to create a disturbing and visually striking horror experience. By breaking the typical conventions of both sports and horror films, it truly sets itself apart.

The Jordan Peele Co-Sign Still Carries Weight

Though it didn’t initially find a large audience in theaters, Him greatly benefits from Jordan Peele’s involvement, as it has a similar unsettling and eerie quality to his most acclaimed films. Since the success of Get Out in 2017, viewers have come to expect thought-provoking social commentary within horror, and Peele’s role as a producer promises that level of depth.

The film Him uses a similar style of smart, genre-conscious storytelling as Get Out. While Get Out explored horror through a procedure called “Coagula”—where wealthy people transferred their consciousness into Black bodies to achieve immortality—Him applies that same idea, shifting the setting from affluent neighborhoods to the world of professional sports.

While investigating Isaiah’s training facility, Cam discovers Isaiah comes from a long line of exceptionally gifted athletes connected to a dark, ancient practice. Isaiah stays at the peak of his abilities and lives an unusually long time by performing rituals involving blood transfusions. He views young Black athletes as expendable resources – breaking them down, using them for these rituals, and then discarding them.

The movie draws unsettling comparisons to real life. It portrays the story as a heightened representation of how major sports teams sometimes handle injured players, prioritizing keeping them on the field despite concussions or other injuries.

The film even features Julia Fox as Isaiah’s influencer wife, cleverly poking fun at how athletes’ personal lives are often turned into products for social media attention. When it was released in theaters, the issue wasn’t a shortage of interesting concepts. Instead, the marketing presented it as a sophisticated, suspenseful thriller, which led viewers to anticipate a perfectly reasoned and logical plot.

Okay, so this wasn’t the nuanced film I was hoping for. It leaned hard into style, almost like a really flashy B-movie, and sometimes felt more interested in looking cool than telling a meaningful story. But honestly, digging a little deeper, the plot is surprisingly strong. I even heard whispers about alternate endings where the main character achieves sports glory only after a disturbing ritual, and it really hit me – this movie has a dark, unflinching take on the underbelly of American sports. It’s a bleak message, but a powerful one if you’re willing to look past the flash.

Him Has Found Its Audience on Netflix

As a film buff, I’m really excited that Him is finally getting its due in April 2026, hitting streamers after its theatrical run. It really highlights how we watch movies now – streaming gives films a second life and a chance to find an audience without the pressure of the initial release. It’s like a re-evaluation period, and I think that’s a really positive thing for cinema.

The movie Him received a negative reaction in theaters, but it’s surprisingly enjoyable to watch at home. Without the expectations created by its original marketing, the film comes across as a fast-paced, fun slasher movie with a unique premise. The fact that it’s now easily accessible through streaming is also helping people appreciate it.

Despite initially receiving negative reviews and having some script problems, the movie Him is now being recognized for its unique concepts and daring blend of genres. The film truly shines upon rewatching, especially considering its surprising combination of a typical sports story with the terrifying world of a demonic cult.

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2026-04-29 06:09