One of the most revealing and enjoyable moments from "Him" is the play-within-the-movie where Jenna (portrayed superbly by Kira Omans) acts out on stage the proposal scene from Act I of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest." Since the film is about the possibility of finding genuine love in a world of acting, posture, pose, and cliché, this cameo and the reference to Wilde is to the point. The dialogue between John Worthing and Gwendolyn Fairfax is, in Wilde's play, a rehearsed, self-conscious, and artificial display masking what Wilde's play would have the viewer believe is in fact earnest affection. Wilde's play pretends that real love is possible.

The film "Him" creeps up to that dilemma. However, it shows a world where genuine love cannot be sustained. The west coast competitive culture of mutually reinforcing narcissism and shallow cynicism has proved too corrupting. The single instance of love in "Him" is in the past: the collegiate affair between Jenna and Greg. It is possible that either or both participants would like to rekindle it, but now it is too late. Jenna's refusal is final. (For the other characters there may never have been any hope at all.)

The movie is brisk, full of "smart" dialogue, studded with snappy put-downs and bright belittlements. I suspect that it doesn't intend to be as empty and dismissive as it seems to me to be-but in the contrast between bleak affect and liveliness resides its power. It even made me long for Algernon and Cecily, John and Gwendolyn, and even Frederick and Lætitia.

The comedy genre refers to a category of entertainment that aims to amuse and entertain audiences by using humor, wit, and comedic situations. Comedies are created with the primary intention of eliciting laughter and providing lighthearted enjoyment. They encompass a wide range of styles, tones, and themes, appealing to various tastes and audiences.

Will Ferrell, Angela Grillo, and Lap-Gei Cheung in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)

The romance genre features the theme of romantic relationships and emotional connections between characters. These stories focus on the development of love, desire, and intimacy between protagonists, often exploring the challenges, conflicts, and triumphs that arise in their relationships.

Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (1942)

Five reality dating show finalists unite against manipulative producers and a deceitful suitor in a remote villa, fighting for their dignity after being pushed into manufactured romance.

Sydney Battle, Tess Higgins, Kira Omans, Margaret Berkowitz, and Lucie Solène Allouche in Him (2024)

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood's perfect pairs.

Hollywood Power Couples

Get a closer look at some of Hollywood&#39;s perfect pairs.

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

Get a closer look at these actors from their many TV and streaming series roles.

Streaming Stars, Then and Now

Steve Bastoni, Tony Bonner, Peter Phelps, Mike Gunner, Izzy Stevens, Jeff Campbell, Martin Grose, Jeremy Johnstone, and Melanie Hayward in Him (2021)

Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers in Him (2025)

Lloyd Kaufman, Mike Sutton, Tom 'Smitty' Smith, Roland Keller, and Rachel Keefe in Valentine Bluffs (2023)

Him

Photos3

Top Cast8

User reviews1

More like this

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Box office

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed