Can You Make the Ultimate Sacrifice? “HIM” Starring Marlon Waynes & Tyriq Withers.
I think it’s safe to say everyone has heard the story of a great man who sent his son down to be the savior for mankind. To be the chosen one, the sacrifice for everyone and all things, that comes with alot of weight. Everyone sees you as their lost piece of gold, the other side sees you as commodity that drives their revenue - both of which dismiss who you are and all of your glory solely derives from what you produce for others. How does one face a challenge as such and still perform and execute at the highest level possible? “HIM”, starring Marlon Waynes alongside Tyriq Withers, explores these ideas and the parallels that one can find themselves in when they are selected to be a representative, a face, a brand - being pushed into the forefront of the world for judgement and ridicule - while also gaining the ultimate levels of success. Are you willing to be that sacrifice?
The film begins exploring the main character, Cam Cade (Tyriq Withers), and his childhood and what drives the motivation behind his elite football play. As a child, his father watched football with him and made the parallel to how a “real man” is willing to sacrifice himself to win at all costs. The player being watched - Isaiah White (Marlon Waynes), legendary quarterback for the San Antonio Saviors. Cam took his father’s words in as a child and destined himself to be in the same light as the “Savior”, Isaiah White. Moving forward to an adult Cam preparing himself to enter the league, he’s unaware of the dangers of moving into this realm of high industry. Every step of the way, he’s followed by an evil, an evil he does his best to ignore and is almost unaware of. This evil force knocks him cold, leaving Cam with significant brain trauma.
“HIM” starring Marlon Waynes & Tariq Withers
Still able to play, Cam finds himself to train with his idol, quarterback Isaiah White. At first this seems as a genuine bonding experience, but it shifts violently fast. At Isaiah White’s practice, guys are bringing each other to near death. One practice left one player seriously injured, and the team danced and chanted around his unconscious body - an example of the downside to being the sacrifice, yet his effort was celebrated. Training and practice every single day became more intense and at first Cam didn’t know how to receive this but after a few days, Cam gave in to the spirit. He now wants it at any cost. As the movie continues, we see Cam’s mentality shift to a more killer instinct, someone who was no longer worried about others - only winning.
The movie caps off with an interesting take on talent and industry. When Cam is brought to his contract signing after successfully battling Isaiah White, he’s met with the old-money Elite, dressed in costumes and masks, ready to use his youth and talents to supply their businesses and brands. When Cam refuses to sign, his Agent, who he is also an item to, made it clear on what they truly wanted from Cam - and it wasn’t because he’s a “good kid”.
Film fans will love this film and it’s almost synonymous with the stories we’ve known about sin, sacrifice, pride, and ego. None of these qualities are favorable, yet it’s the world we’re surrounded by. Is supporting industry turning away from the light, or am I just using the gifts God gave me? Which way will you go?
