New Movies: Him (2024) by Rebecca Wahls: Reality Bites Back
- dailyentertainment95
- May 29
- 9 min read
"Him" is a comedic drama from director Rebecca Wahls, co-written with star Tess Higgins. It follows the final five contestants on a reality dating show who discover their suitor's deceitful nature and their producers' manipulative tactics. Sequestered in a remote villa,
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21292982/
About movie: https://himthefilm.com/
Link to watch: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/Him/4142250?cmp=rt_leaderboard (US)
Detailed Summary
"Him," a 2024 comedic drama, marks the debut feature film for director Rebecca Wahls, co-written with its star, Tess Higgins. The film plunges audiences into the manufactured world of a reality dating show, focusing on the final five contestants. These women, vying for the affection of an eligible bachelor, soon uncover a jarring truth: their suitor is deceitful, and the show's producers have manipulated their emotions, fabricating scenarios to heighten drama for the cameras. Sequestered in a remote villa and stripped of their phones and outside contact, the realization sparks a collective awakening. The narrative then shifts from a typical dating show premise to a compelling story of sisterhood and rebellion. The women, initially rivals, are forced to band together to assert their self-worth, dismantle the carefully constructed illusions, and confront the manipulative forces behind the scenes that exploited their vulnerability for entertainment. Described as an "anxious comedy," "Him" explores themes of identity, emotional manipulation, the dark side of reality television, and female empowerment in a world that often dictates how women should behave and feel. The film premiered at festivals early in 2024, garnering awards and positive buzz for its sharp social commentary and comedic execution.
Plot Summary
Reality Dating Show Setting: The story centers on the final five contestants on a reality dating show, each hoping to win the heart of the show's eligible bachelor.
Discovery of Deceit: The women gradually discover that the bachelor is not genuinely interested in them, and that the show's producers have actively manipulated their interactions and emotions for dramatic effect.
Forced Isolation: Sequestered in a remote villa without their cell phones or outside contact, the contestants are initially trapped in the manufactured reality.
Banding Together: As the truth becomes undeniable, the women, initially competitors, realize they've been exploited. They begin to form a surprising bond and unite against their common manipulators.
Reclaiming Self-Worth: The film culminates in their collective effort to reclaim their agency, assert their self-worth, and confront both the deceitful suitor and the manipulative show producers.
Director's Vision
Exploring Female Identity in Media: Rebecca Wahls set out to "explore the measures women take to maintain their identity in a world that consistently proves they will never be enough, but also strongly advises them against being too much." The film aims to dissect how media, particularly reality TV, pressures women to conform to specific archetypes.
"Anxious Comedy" Approach: Wahls describes the film as an "anxious comedy," indicating a blend of humor with underlying tension and societal critique. Her vision is to make audiences laugh while prompting them to think deeply about the themes presented.
Adapting from Stage to Screen: Having previously directed a staged reading of Tess Higgins' original play, Wahls' vision involved translating the story's core themes and heightened realism to the cinematic medium, leveraging visual elements that were not possible on stage (e.g., flashback dreams, climactic "art project" scenes).
Highlighting Manipulation in Reality TV: A key aspect of her vision is to expose the behind-the-scenes mechanics of reality television, particularly the ways producers manipulate contestants' emotions and narratives for entertainment.
Empowering the Ensemble: Wahls emphasizes creating an ensemble-driven narrative where the collective strength of the women, initially rivals, becomes the driving force, celebrating female solidarity.
Themes
Emotional Manipulation and Exploitation: A core theme is the ethical quandary of reality television, where producers actively manipulate human emotions and relationships for viewership and profit.
Female Identity and Self-Worth: The film delves into how external pressures, especially from media and societal expectations, challenge women's sense of self-worth and their ability to express their true identities.
Sisterhood and Solidarity: Despite being set up as rivals, the women ultimately forge strong bonds, highlighting the power of female solidarity in overcoming shared adversity and systemic oppression.
The Illusion of Reality: The film critiques the blurred lines between reality and fiction in reality television, questioning what is truly authentic when everything is staged and manipulated.
Critique of Reality Television: "Him" serves as a sharp commentary on the exploitative nature of reality dating shows, their impact on participants, and their influence on societal perceptions of romance and gender roles.
Key Success Factors
Timely and Relevant Subject Matter: The film tackles the highly popular and often controversial genre of reality dating shows, making it immediately relevant and intriguing to a broad audience.
Sharp Social Commentary with Humor: Its ability to combine biting social critique with comedic elements allows it to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, appealing to viewers who enjoy "anxious comedies."
Authentic Voice and Collaboration: The collaboration between director Rebecca Wahls and writer/star Tess Higgins, originating from a stage play, ensures a cohesive and deeply understood narrative.
Strong Festival Performance: Premiering at the Sedona Film Festival and charming audiences across the country on the festival circuit, including wins and official selections, builds significant early buzz and credibility.
Underserved Niche: The film directly addresses the experiences of women within manipulative media environments, offering a perspective that resonates strongly with a specific, yet large, demographic.
Awards and Nominations
"Him" has garnered significant early recognition on the festival circuit. It has received 2 wins and an additional 3 official selections. Notably, it was awarded the Panavision New Filmmaker Equipment Grant, a substantial grant valued at $250,000, which significantly aided its production. It also received the Reframe Stamp distinction for gender-balanced production, and grants from the Sylvia and David Steiner Film Fund of Carnegie Mellon University and the Young Alumni Creative Development Award (George Mason University). It has been an Official Selection at prestigious festivals such as the Sedona International Film Festival, Beloit International Film Festival, and the Richmond International Film Festival.
Critics Reception
The Moveable Fest: In an interview with Tess Higgins and Rebecca Wahls, The Moveable Fest highlighted the film's success in translating the play's unique elements to the screen. They noted how the film "charming audiences across the country on the festival circuit" and that it "paid off to listen to the little voice in her head for the director that others may have told her to downplay." This suggests a positive reception for its artistic vision and execution.
George Mason University News: A feature on Rebecca Wahls and the film described "Him" as an "anxious comedy" and emphasized its core theme: "that women in particular have to put on various masks in the different areas of their lives. In this scenario, the face that's being put on them is completely outside of their control." This indicates critical appreciation for its thematic depth and social relevance.
IMDb User Reviews (Anticipated): While not formal critical reviews, early user reviews on platforms like IMDb (which often reflect festival audience sentiment) would likely praise the film for its timely social commentary, sharp humor, and strong female ensemble. There might be discussions on the authenticity of its portrayal of reality TV.
Overall Summary: While comprehensive reviews from major critics are still pending its wider release, "Him" has received very strong positive early reception from film festival audiences and independent film publications. The initial buzz highlights its clever concept, sharp script, and Wahls' direction, especially in her ability to transition from stage to screen effectively. Critics are expected to commend its incisive critique of reality television and its powerful message of female empowerment.
Production Summary
"Him" is an 80-minute (or 1 hour 20 minutes) American comedic drama produced in 2024. It is the debut feature film for director Rebecca Wahls, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Tess Higgins. Higgins also stars in the film. The cast includes Kira Omans as Jenna, Tess Higgins as Shana, Sydney Battle as Savannah, Margaret Berkowitz as Claire, Lucie Solène Allouche, Kyle Prue, and Troy Baker (who plays the mysterious off-screen producer, Xav). The film was shot in January 2023 over 17 days in Sedona, Arizona. Key production details include a Panavision New Filmmaker Equipment Grant, a Reframe Stamp for gender-balanced production, and grants from Carnegie Mellon University and George Mason University. "Him The Film" is listed as a production company.
Production Companies
Him The Film (USA).
Distribution Companies
A broad distribution company for "Him (2024)" has not been widely announced beyond its festival circuit presence. The film is currently being distributed through its festival run. Its listed US theatrical release date of May 30, 2025, implies that distribution arrangements are being finalized or are in place for a limited release. The filmmakers have stated they sought a lawyer for protection and distribution, suggesting a direct approach or a smaller distributor.
Buffalo 8 Distribution (US)
Theatrical Release
"Him" premiered at the Sedona International Film Festival in early 2024. Its official US theatrical release date is listed as May 30, 2025 (United States). It has also been charming audiences on the festival circuit across the country.
Why to recommend this movie
Timely and Relevant Satire: It offers a sharp and often hilarious critique of reality television and its manipulative practices, a topic that resonates widely today.
Empowering Female Narrative: The film celebrates female solidarity and resilience as women unite to reclaim their agency against exploitative systems, offering a refreshing and empowering message.
Unique Blend of Comedy and Drama: It successfully balances humor with serious social commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Strong Independent Filmmaking: As a debut feature, it showcases Rebecca Wahls' promising directorial talent and the power of independent cinema to tell important stories.
Festival Acclaim and Buzz: Its multiple festival selections, awards, and positive early reception indicate a high-quality production that resonates with audiences.
Why to Watch Movie
If you are fascinated by the behind-the-scenes of reality TV: The film promises to pull back the curtain on the manipulative tactics used in dating shows.
For a comedic and poignant look at female identity: It explores the pressures women face in society and media, with both humor and emotional depth.
If you enjoy independent films with a strong voice: Rebecca Wahls' debut offers a fresh perspective and sharp social commentary.
To support films with strong female ensembles: The movie focuses on the camaraderie and strength of women uniting against a common adversary.
If you appreciate "anxious comedies" that make you laugh and think: The film blends humor with underlying tension and serious themes.
Movie Trend
"Him" is following the trend of Meta-Narratives and Satires on Reality Television. This growing trend sees filmmakers using the format of reality TV to critique media manipulation, societal pressures, and the performative nature of modern life. These films often blend comedy and drama to expose the artifice behind "reality" and explore the psychological impact on participants, appealing to an audience increasingly savvy about media consumption. It also aligns with the broader trend of Female-Led Ensembles and Empowerment Stories.
Social Trend
"Him" is following the social trend of Increased Scrutiny and Critique of Media Representation and Ethical Consumption. As audiences become more media-literate, there's a growing demand for transparency in entertainment and a critical examination of how media shapes perceptions, particularly regarding gender roles, relationships, and "authenticity." The film directly taps into this by dissecting the manipulative practices of reality television and empowering its female characters to resist exploitation, resonating with a broader societal push for ethical and responsible media creation and consumption.
Final Verdict
"Him" is a sharp, timely, and empowering debut feature from director Rebecca Wahls that cunningly blends comedy and drama to expose the manipulative underbelly of reality television. Its clever premise, combined with strong ensemble performances and a poignant message about female identity and solidarity, makes it a highly engaging and thought-provoking watch. While it's an independent film, its impressive festival run and positive early buzz suggest it will resonate deeply with audiences eager for smart social commentary and empowering female narratives. It's a film that both entertains and challenges, making it a noteworthy addition to the cinematic landscape.
Recommendations for film makers
Leverage Familiar Formats for Critique: Filmmakers can learn from "Him" how to use widely recognized formats (like reality TV) as a Trojan horse to deliver sharp social commentary and explore deeper themes.
Embrace "Anxious Comedy": The blend of humor with underlying tension and serious issues can be highly effective in engaging audiences and making complex themes more accessible.
Prioritize Strong Ensemble Dynamics: Investing in a compelling ensemble cast and developing the relationships between characters, even those initially in conflict, can create a powerful and relatable narrative.
Collaborate on Story Development: The successful co-writing partnership between Wahls and Higgins, stemming from a stage play, highlights the benefits of deep collaborative development to ensure a cohesive and impactful story.
Seek and Utilize Grants and Festival Support: Independent filmmakers should actively pursue grants and aim for festival premieres, as these provide crucial funding, exposure, and validation for projects.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Invest in Timely Social Commentaries: The industry should recognize the value and audience appetite for films that critically examine contemporary social phenomena, such as reality television and media ethics.
Support Emerging Female Directors and Writers: Continue to provide opportunities and funding for female filmmakers, especially those making their feature debuts, as they bring fresh perspectives and important stories to the screen.
Promote Diverse and Empowering Narratives: Actively seek out and distribute films that challenge stereotypes and offer empowering portrayals of women and other underrepresented groups, fostering a more inclusive cinematic landscape.
Recognize the Power of Festival Acclaim: Use festival recognition as a strong indicator of a film's quality and audience appeal, leveraging it for broader distribution and marketing efforts.
Encourage Genre Innovation: Support films that creatively blend genres, as "Him" does with comedy and drama, to offer unique viewing experiences and expand the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
Final Conclusions
"Him" is a timely and incisive cinematic debut from Rebecca Wahls that cleverly dissects the often-exploitative world of reality dating shows. Through its sharp comedic lens and powerful dramatic core, the film delivers a compelling message about female empowerment, the insidious nature of media manipulation, and the enduring strength of solidarity. Its strong critical buzz from the festival circuit and its relevant themes position it as a significant independent film of 2024. "Him" is not just an entertaining watch; it's a thought-provoking commentary that resonates with current societal discussions about media ethics and authentic identity, solidifying its place as a must-see for those who appreciate smart, socially conscious cinema.
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