Julia Fox Discusses the Challenging Filming of 'Him's' Climax and Her Character's Future

Behind the Scenes of 'Him': A Star's Journey Through Chaos and Creativity

Unveiling the Brutal Finale and Character Motivations

The conclusion of Justin Tipping's cinematic thriller, 'Him', plunges into a realm of intense savagery, a fitting culmination to the preceding saga of animosity and fierce competition. Isaiah White, a celebrated eight-time champion quarterback portrayed with raw intensity by Marlon Wayans, unmasks the true sinister nature beneath his mentorship of the emerging young quarterback, Cameron Cade, played by Tyriq Withers. Adding to the film's dark undertones, Isaiah's manipulative spouse, Elsie, brought to life by Julia Fox of 'Uncut Gems' fame, contributes her own unsettling revelations. Fox recently shared her experiences regarding the film's ending, including a version that didn't make the final cut, the unexpected crises that plagued the production, and her personal conjectures about Elsie's destiny beyond the credits.

The Unforeseen Complications of Production: A Director's Nightmare

Initially, the storyline of 'Him' suggests a premature end to Cameron's career, following a mysterious assault that leaves him concussed and prone to hallucinations. However, Isaiah eventually confesses that his associates masterminded the attack on Cameron, initiating a chain of events orchestrated to culminate in a deadly confrontation between the two men. The victor of this struggle is expected to secure a lucrative football contract, granting them wealth, recognition, and effectively binding them to the enigmatic, cult-like organization that Isaiah, and notably Elsie, serve.

Cameron's Triumph and Elsie's Ultimate Confrontation

Cameron emerges victorious from the deadly duel, vanquishing Isaiah. He then steps into a football arena, where he is anticipated to formally commit to his new, powerful overseers – a group predominantly composed of elderly, affluent white men, with Elsie and a cohort of anonymous cheerleaders serving as a ceremonial guard. Defying expectations, Cameron retaliates, eliminating the cult members. Elsie attempts to subdue him herself, but is ultimately wounded and left bleeding. This dramatic, sanguinary ending was, according to Fox, a formidable undertaking to film.

The Ordeal of Filming: From Custom Gowns to Environmental Fury

Fox recounted the challenges of shooting the climactic scene: “We possessed only a single dress for that particular scene,” she revealed, referring to a bespoke creation by a Parisian designer. “We essentially had one opportunity to capture the entire sequence. Consequently, the pressure was immense. I had no prior experience with such a demanding scene. While I had previously worn prosthetics, nothing compared to this. It was an exceptionally arduous experience.”

Exploring Alternate Realities: A Different Path for Elsie

Fox indicated that a slightly altered version of the ending was indeed filmed, where the blood-splattered dress remained the same, yet the reactions to Cameron's victory diverged significantly. “The conclusion underwent several revisions during our shoot,” she explained. “We filmed one version and then an alternative, intending to determine which one resonated more effectively. This ambiguity persisted throughout the filming process. In the alternative ending, Isaiah still perishes, and Cameron still emerges as the victor. However, our emotional responses were different. In the initial ending, my character's reaction was one of profound sorrow over the loss of her husband. In the second version, her response was more detached, suggesting a greater commitment to upholding the established system than to her personal grief. That was the primary distinction.”

Albuquerque's Dual Nature: The Beauty and the Beast of the Set

The sequence, Fox added, was shot on a football field in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “All the scenes set in Isaiah’s residence — or our character’s home, I suppose — were filmed within the stadium's ancillary areas. These were exquisite sets constructed within the stadium itself, which explains the stark, brutalist aesthetic of our on-screen home, mirroring the stadium's interior design. The production team executed a remarkable job; it was among the most visually stunning sets I’ve ever encountered.”

Nature's Unforeseen Interruption: The Sandstorm That Halted Production

Nevertheless, the outdoor filming presented its own set of risks, leading to a temporary halt in production. “Being at the mercy of the elements in New Mexico means enduring both intense heat and bone-chilling cold,” Fox noted. “During the filming of the climax, a ferocious sandstorm erupted. Suddenly, the sky turned a vivid red, and visibility dropped to zero. We were compelled to abandon the entire shoot.”

Elsie's Strategic Future: A Mastermind Behind the Facade

Regarding a truly alternative conclusion, where Cameron might have embraced the contract and taken Isaiah’s place as the legendary figure of his generation, Fox offered her perspective on Elsie’s potential trajectory: “I envision her striking a definitive pact with Cameron: ‘We shall maintain this illusion together. We now share this secret, and I will assist you in perpetuating the charade. I will cultivate an image of an aspirational life for us, and you are free to pursue your desires, provided nothing ever surfaces. We will simply present a facade of domestic bliss.’ I believe she would endeavor to forge such an agreement.”

The Unyielding Architect: Elsie's Enduring Influence

While Fox mused that Elsie might have “already amassed an empire sufficient to render a counterpart unnecessary,” she deemed it more probable that her character would remain intertwined with the cult, owing to the authority it bestowed upon her, especially given her poignant, concealed past. “She operates within this organization, where, in many respects, she is regarded as the orchestrator, tasked with ensuring everyone fulfills their designated roles,” Fox elaborated. “She is, in essence, maneuvering the chess pieces across the board. Therefore, even if she were disinclined to strike a deal with Cameron, I believe they would compel her to do so, simply because they value her diligent efforts and her commitment to upholding their dominion.”