“Five Nights at Freddy’s” took a bold leap from the gaming world to the big screen, and it seems to have landed on its feet. With a jaw-dropping opening weekend raking in $130 million on a $25 million budget, it’s clear this movie has something going for it.
Directed by Emma Tammi, the film throws us into the eerie halls of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where our lead character Mike, played by Josh Hutcherson, takes a job as a security guard. But this isn’t your regular night shift; the pizzeria’s animatronic characters come to life, steering the plot into a blend of horror and mystery.
What’s cool about this movie is its nod to the original game’s fans. The creators, including the game’s original creator Scott Cawthon, kept the lore intact, making it a treat for hardcore fans. But even if you haven’t played the game, the story is engaging enough to keep you hooked. The plot dives deeper into a personal quest as Mike is haunted by his past, adding a good chunk of emotional drama to the mix.
Though at times the storyline might feel a bit predictable, especially if you’re familiar with the game’s narrative, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. The animatronics, done practically by the Jim Henson company, play a significant part of the horror element and are well crafted, blending in moments of humor amid the scares, which is a fresh take compared to most other horror films of late.
Some critics argue that the movie could’ve amped up the horror a bit more, as it holds back on the scares, possibly to cater to a younger audience or to build up suspense. Yet the blend of character-driven narrative and horror makes it stand out.
A big win for “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is its box office success despite being released on streaming via Peacock. Over the weekend, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” has become the highest grossing of any movie in the horror genre in 2023. It’s not just the financial success that’s impressive but the community engagement and anticipation for the next two films in the series that shows a promising future for this franchise.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s” is a well-rounded story with a horror backdrop, hitting a sweet spot between pleasing the fans and drawing in a new audience. Whether or not you’re a fan of the game, this movie is a ride worth taking.
Ready to be horrified?
For those who still refuse to watch Christmas movies until December, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” will be available for purchase online on November 28th. You can also stream it during Thanksgiving break by visiting Peacock’s website.
—Julian Koonce is a senior majoring in Mass Communications with a minor in Business.