Blumhouse Unveils Immersive 'Imaginary' Trailer Experience Ahead of 'Five Nights at Freddy’s'

Article Summary

Scheduled for release on March 8, 2024, Imaginary is an upcoming horror film that tells the story of a woman who uncovers her long-lost imaginary friend in her childhood residence. Directed by Jeff Wadlow and featuring Betty Buckley in the lead role, the movie promises a chilling exploration into the protagonist's haunted past.

The immersive teaser trailer of Imaginary captivates the audience through its manipulation of senses, utilizing eerie audio effects and swift, chilling clips. By skillfully aligning itself with the widely-loved Five Nights at Freddy's franchise and immersing viewers in the perspective of the main character, Imaginary demonstrates cutting-edge marketing tactics and has the promise to emerge as one of the top horror films of 2024.

What is ‘Imaginary’?

Sure, all advertisements prompt some form of action — purchasing a product, utilizing a service, watching a movie. However, the teaser trailer for the latest film Imaginary by Lionsgate and Blumhouse goes a step further by explicitly instructing you what to do. This approach creates an immersive experience, making you feel like the main character in your own chilling horror story. This gripping preview, shown exclusively before the highly anticipated Five Nights at Freddy’s (which you should definitely watch to stay in the loop — it's currently dominating the box office), demands that you grab your popcorn and secure your seat early to witness this special, spine-tingling clip. With the spine-chilling teaser for Imaginary, the scares commence even before the opening credits roll on the movie itself.

What is ‘Imaginary’?

What Happens in the ‘Imaginary’ Trailer?

Set for release on March 8, 2024, Imaginary is an upcoming film directed by the highly experienced Jeff Wadlow. Known for his work in the horror genre, including films like Truth or Dare, Fantasy Island, and Kick-Ass 2, Wadlow takes the helm for this exciting new project. The legendary Betty Buckley, renowned for her roles in Carrie, Split, The Happening, and more, stars as a woman who returns to her childhood home. There, she encounters her long-forgotten imaginary friend, and it becomes clear that she is far from pleased about being abandoned.

Image via Blumhouse

The Imaginary teaser stands out for its unique ability to play with your senses and exploit your natural fear of the unknown. From the start, a haunting voice of a little girl prompts you to shut your eyes. Whether you choose to comply (no judgement here) or defy the instruction (good for you), they take matters into their own hands. The screen fades to black, accompanied by unsettling sounds that send shivers down your spine. The child begins to count, while a foreboding music-box melody fills the air, enhanced by the echoing footsteps and the squeak of a door. The strategic utilization of audio is captivating and takes a daring leap that ultimately pays off. After all, who isn't at least a little afraid of the dark?

At around halfway through, there will be a prompt to open your eyes. The impact is such that it creates the illusion of blinking, while displaying quick, terrifying scenes from the film featuring fearful individuals and ominous creatures.

This marketing approach is clever and effective, as it aligns itself with the popular Five Nights at Freddy's franchise and immerses the audience in the role of the protagonist. It is evident that people are seeking fresh and innovative horror experiences, evident in projects like Skinamarink and adaptations of popular horror video games. If the creativity showcased in its marketing is representative of Imaginary as a whole, it has the potential to be one of the best horror movies of 2024. Only by opening our eyes will we truly know. Take a brief glimpse of the teaser below.

If you're too scared to head to the theater, Five Nights at Freddy's is already available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.

Watch on Peacock

Experience the thrill of survival in Five Nights at Freddy's. This spine-chilling horror game phenomenon is now transformed into a bone-chilling cinematic masterpiece by Blumhouse, the prestigious producer behind M3GAN, The Black Phone, and The Invisible Man. Prepare for a gripping tale as the movie adaptation of Five Nights at Freddy's takes you on a haunting journey. Join the protagonist, a troubled security guard, as he takes up a job at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. Brace yourself as you witness his struggle to navigate through the night shift, where surviving isn't as simple as it seems.

Release Date October 27, 2023Director Emma TammiCast Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, Elizabeth Lail, Mary Stuart MastersonRating PG-13Runtime 110 minutesGenres Horror

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the upcoming release of the horror film "Imaginary." The immersive trailer, which utilizes eerie audio effects and quick, chilling clips, has left me feeling intrigued and on the edge of my seat. The film's premise, which involves a woman who uncovers her long-lost imaginary friend in her childhood residence, is both nostalgic and unsettling, and I am eager to see how it will be explored in the full-length feature.

The marketing campaign for "Imaginary" has been particularly effective in building anticipation among fans. By aligning itself with the popular "Five Nights at Freddy's" franchise and immersing viewers in the perspective of the main character, the trailer has successfully captured the attention of horror enthusiasts. The use of cutting-edge marketing tactics, such as the interactive trailer and the strategic utilization of audio, demonstrates the filmmakers' understanding of the target audience and their desire to create a truly immersive experience.