An animatronic fox, chicken, bunny and bear walk into a pizzeria with a collective thirst for violence. Though that may sound like some bizarre setup for a joke, it’s what viewers can find in “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” released Oct. 27.
Though the premise seems like a laughable attempt at horror, this film is far from a joke.
The cinematic adaptation is the culmination of nearly a decade’s worth of content, all stemming from a 2014 video game created by independent game developer Scott Cawthon.
The first video game — and film’s namesake — was the launching point of a now 9-year-long franchise, commanding nine additional video games, 28 books and plenty of branded merchandise.
After nearly a decade of existence, the extensive history of “Five Nights at Freddy’s” has cultivated a fan base that harbors collective love for the robotic, performing gang of Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie and Foxy.
The film follows Mike Schmidt (Josh Hutcherson) as he begins a new job. Here, he finds himself keeping an eye on four animatronics left behind in a rundown, borderline-abandoned arcade and pizzeria. It’s only after the animatronics start acting strange that he realizes something far more foul may be at play.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s,” though not in tune with Cawthon’s original lore for the series, utilizes its almost 2-hour long run time better than you could ask for.
Director Emma Tammi worked closely with Cawthon throughout production to ensure accuracy on all aesthetic aspects of the production, most notably on set design and wardrobe.
However, for the sake of cinema, certain aspects naturally needed to be cut from the plotline established in the original 2014 video game.
As is, the film stands strong enough on its own and presents itself as accessible to both new unfamiliar fans, and older fans looking for clever Easter eggs and nostalgic jumpscares.
Additionally, the film is rated PG-13, which is arguably rare coming from the film’s production studio, Blumhouse.
With the extent of gore and unsettling imagery found in the franchise, it’s disappointing to see infamously bloody scenes and on-screen deaths boiled down to off-screen screaming and damage dealt in the dark.
While the film does allow for the curation of a younger fan base, established fans feel left out on some fronts. However, cameos from notable YouTubers associated with the series make the cleanliness of the film somewhat forgivable.
If there’s only one thing we know for sure following the film, it’s that this project was meant for the fans who kept the series close to their hearts for so long.
Though there is no confirmed date for a sequel to the film, rumors of more to come from the FNAF world have been lingering within online communities eager to relive the scares of “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”
For those ready to brave the halls of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is out now in theaters. Those wishing to experience the frights of Freddy and his friends from the comfort of home can also find the film streaming exclusively on Peacock.