Frighteningly Fun: A Review of Five Nights at Freddy’s

The Five Nights at Freddy’s movie strikes a fine balance that will appeal to both die-hard lore enthusiasts and newcomers to the video game. While there are a few missteps, this FNAF film ultimately offers a genuinely eerie delight that will be adored by all. The news of the beloved horror game franchise, Five Nights at Freddy's, being adapted into a film has thrilled fans, with its release scheduled just in time for Halloween this year.

The task of satisfying devoted fans of any form of media is challenging, especially considering the extensive and interconnected storyline spread across numerous games, books, and spin-offs in the FNAF franchise. This means that Hollywood had the opportunity to explore various creative avenues for the movie adaptation.

Nevertheless, this film adaptation manages to remain largely faithful to the lore established in the games, with only a few minor changes. In a time when many video game franchises are being transformed into movies, it is uncertain which projects will be successful and which will fall short. Fortunately, the FNAF movie excels in delivering a thrilling experience, captivating storyline, and even includes popular social media personalities.

Don’t worry — this review is spoiler-free.

Josh Hutcherson shines in Five Nights at Freddy’s

In Five Nights at Freddy’s, the main character of the game, Mike Schmidt, is played by Josh Hutcherson. The story revolves around Mike, a security guard who faces various challenges in his life, including taking care of his younger sister Abby. After being fired from his previous job due to an incident, Mike is given a second chance by accepting a new security position at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.

Josh Hutcherson's portrayal of Mike is remarkable, showcasing his growth as an actor since his time in The Hunger Games franchise. Fans of Hutcherson's work will appreciate seeing him tackle the role of a struggling character who must juggle the responsibilities of raising his sister on a limited income while navigating the dangers posed by the animatronics at Freddy's.

In the FNAF film adaptation, Josh Hutcherson portrays Mike Schmidt, adding his own flair to the character.

However, the FNAF movie goes beyond its spooky elements. It skillfully intertwines Freddy's supernatural hauntings with an engaging subplot centered around Mike's family. This subplot resonates with many viewers, as it delves into themes of family trauma. The inclusion of possessed animatronics escalates the tension even further, creating high-stakes conflicts.

FNAF takes its time to deliver scares

However, the true allure lies in the scares. Five Nights at Freddy's revolves around this aspect, and the movie definitely delivers... eventually. It does take a bit of time to build up the genuinely frightening moments, as opposed to the cheesy and predictable ones. Only once Mike settles into Fazbear's Pizza does the real terror begin. What starts as startling surprises, gruesome deaths, and cheap jump scares evolves into a heart-stopping game of cat-and-mouse between humans and animatronics that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end. Emma Tammi's exceptional direction skillfully blends an emotional narrative with authentic thrills, ensuring a satisfying experience for all viewers.

The animatronics in the FNAF film, featured in

, are true masterpieces. Despite initial complaints from fans regarding the red glow of their eyes in the first trailers, it only enhances their intimidating presence rather than detracting from it. These awe-inspiring creations are colossal, highlighting the sheer terror one would experience if one were to encounter them while working late at night in an abandoned playplace. Universal Pictures has successfully brought the game series’ formidable adversaries to life, providing a gratifying experience for fans.

Without revealing any spoilers, the film concludes with a significant surprise that fans of the franchise will undoubtedly appreciate. Additionally, it introduces a potential game-related revelation that holds considerable significance.

Furthermore, Five Nights at Freddy’s acknowledges and respects its community by including notable appearances from influential personalities within the gaming sector. In addition to this, there is a subtle easter egg in the pizza place scene featuring numerous well-known YouTubers. These YouTubers provide enjoyable performances that beautifully integrate into the film, showcasing a different aspect of the content creator space, while also paying tribute to the community that initially propelled the games to immense popularity.

Five Nights at Freddy’s review score: 4/5

Blumhouse has experienced both successes and failures, but their interpretation of the FNAF universe achieves a harmonious combination of humor and horror. This thrilling adventure promises to delight all viewers.

Five Nights at Freddy’s is in UK cinemas now, hits Peacock later today, and US theaters on Friday. For more on the film, check out the below articles: