HIM Director Discusses the Complex, Ambiguous Ending of the Supernatural Horror Film
Justin Tipping, the director of the supernatural horror film HIM, recently shared insights into the film’s provocative and ambiguous ending. Acknowledging that the conclusion might not satisfy every viewer, Tipping emphasized that he could not envision the story concluding in any other way. His comments highlight the delicate balance between narrative mystery and viewer expectation that the film aims to achieve.
Plot Overview: A Dark Tale of Ambition and Rivalry
HIM stars Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, and Marlon Wayans. It centers on Cameron Cade, a rising football star whose promising career faces a devastating setback after a random attack just days before the NFL scouting combine. An unexpected opportunity arises when he is invited to train at the secluded compound of his idol, Isaiah White, the renowned quarterback of the San Antonio Saviors. White promises to endorse Cameron as his successor if he proves himself. However, underlying insecurities quickly turn this dream mentorship into a harrowing nightmare.
The Ambiguous Ending: Balancing Mystery and Horror
In the film’s climactic moments, Isaiah reveals to Cameron that the blood transfusions he’s been receiving are tied to an ancient ritual meant to transfer the athletic prowess of legendary quarterbacks to the current “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest Of All Time). To claim Isaiah’s place and inherit these powers, Cameron must fight him to the death. The brutal battle culminates with Cameron emerging victorious after fatally striking Isaiah with a helmet.
However, the story takes a darker turn as Cameron leaves the confrontation, only to be confronted by occult imagery and demands from Isaiah’s wife, his manager Tom, and the team’s owners to sign a contract cementing his role as the new G.O.A.T. Cameron refuses and murders everyone except Tom. The enigmatic sequence ends with Tom being dragged into a pentagram by unseen forces and exploding, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
Director Justin Tipping on the Ending’s Complexity
Tipping revealed to GamesRadar+ that crafting the final scene underwent extensive revision. He stated, There were so many conversations, between the studio, [Jordan Peele’s production company] Monkeypaw, and myself; I have about 300 different edits of that final scene.
The challenge lay in deciding the appropriate level of explicitness versus mystery, aiming to avoid alienating audiences by over-explaining or descending into parody.
Key considerations in editing the final scene included:
- Maintaining the right balance of horror and dark humor to match the film’s tone.
- Avoiding excess focus on specific characters that might shift the film into camp or parody.
- Ensuring the finale aligns with the film’s broader themes of ambition, legacy, and the supernatural.
Contextualizing HIM in Modern Supernatural Horror
HIM joins a growing genre of horror films blending sports narratives with supernatural elements, exploring themes such as ambition, identity, and sacrifice. This genre hybridization reflects a broader trend in horror toward innovative storytelling techniques and thematic diversity.
For instance, films like Black Swan (2010) and In the Tall Grass (2019) employ psychological horror to explore ambition and fate. HIM adds a unique sports-centered mythos, using football’s cultural significance to heighten stakes and emotional resonance.
Recent research on horror audiences by the Journal of Media Psychology (2023) suggests that ambiguous endings, when skillfully crafted, engage viewers by encouraging active interpretation and discussion, fostering stronger emotional and cognitive investment in the film. This approach aligns with Tipping’s editing process, underscoring the creative intention behind the film’s open-ended conclusion.
Understanding Audience Reception and Critical Debate
HIM’s ending has sparked polarizing reactions among viewers and critics alike. While some praise the film’s bold narrative choices and thematic depth, others find the ambiguity frustrating or confusing. This dichotomy reflects current debates in horror storytelling, where innovation sometimes clashes with traditional expectations.
Film critic data from Rotten Tomatoes (2025) shows HIM holding a mixed score, highlighting the risks and rewards of such experimental horror storytelling. Marlon Wayans, who stars as Isaiah White, has remarked that divisive responses often indicate that a film is pushing boundaries and may be ahead of contemporary trends.
Summary of Key Themes and Messages
- Ambition and Legacy: Exploring the lengths individuals go to secure their place at the top.
- Supernatural and Ritual: Using occult symbolism to deepen the narrative’s mystery and stakes.
- Balance of Tone: Combining horror, suspense, and dark humor to create a unique cinematic experience.
Conclusion
Justin Tipping’s HIM stands out as a thought-provoking addition to the supernatural horror genre. Its ambiguous ending, refined through hundreds of edits, exemplifies the challenges filmmakers face in balancing narrative clarity with mystery. By inviting diverse audience interpretations, HIM contributes to ongoing conversations about innovation in horror cinema.
As supernatural horror continues to evolve, films like HIM demonstrate the genre’s capacity to blend culturally significant themes, such as sports and legacy, with inventive storytelling and psychological depth.
Note: This article contains significant spoilers for the film HIM.
