Justin Tipping’s film “Him” follows the journey of Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), a promising quarterback draft selection, as he navigates the complexities of professional football and the lavish lifestyle that success affords. Guided by the legendary quarterback Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), Cam uncovers hidden truths about fame and the sacrifices necessary to achieve his dreams.
The movie cleverly intertwines elements of suspense with broader themes such as masculinity, obsession with celebrity culture, mental health in athletes, and societal pressures. Tipping, who joined the project when Skip Bronkie and Zack Akers’ script was initially titled “GOAT,” aimed to create a narrative that delves into America’s fixation on an “exhaustion economy.”
“It’s fundamentally about asking yourself: ‘What are you willing to achieve? What are you prepared to sacrifice for greatness?’ This concept extends beyond just being a quarterback in sports; it resonated deeply with me,” Tipping reflects. “After experiencing burnout from filming during the pandemic, I found myself questioning my priorities. I realized this struggle is universal—whether you’re an artist or a laborer—especially in our post-pandemic society where we must confront how we value our time. I pondered: ‘How many crucial moments did I miss? Why didn’t I attend family gatherings?’ In American culture,there’s this expectation to hustle relentlessly. Writing this story became an emotional journey for me.”
Recent Developments in Filmmaking
Tipping first gained recognition with his acclaimed indie film “Kicks” in 2016 before moving on to direct high-profile television series like “The Chi,” “Black monday,” and “Dear White People.” His relentless drive mirrors that of the athletes portrayed in “Him.”
“After ‘Kicks,’ my first day on set for my first paid job was surreal,” Tipping recalls. “I received devastating news halfway through—the sudden passing of my father—and yet two weeks later, I returned to work without pause until exhaustion forced me to stop. There’s a monologue in ‘Him’ reflecting on how chaotic life can be; looking back now, it resonates deeply with what I experienced.”
A important collaborator who helped shape this vision was filmmaker Jordan Peele, who served as producer and contributed some of the film’s more unsettling horror elements.
“He is an invaluable sounding board,” Tipping explains. “His background as a filmmaker allows him to support while also respecting your creative direction—it’s all about understanding your vision and working backward from there. Some of our best discussions would start with me saying something wild or unconventional; those conversations often led us down fascinating paths.”
Despite its horror aspects, Tipping hopes his film encourages audiences to engage critically with one of America’s most beloved pastimes.
“I’m particularly interested in exploring what happens when athletes become mere commodities within thier institutions,” he states thoughtfully. “If your body is your only asset but injuries or aging render you obsolete,you risk becoming just another replaceable entity within these systems—a chilling reality worth examining further.” This exploration opens up various avenues for discussing not only sports but also its darker commercial implications.