FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S
Can you survive five nights? The terrifying horror game phenomenon becomes a blood-chilling cinematic event, as Blumhouse—the producer of M3GAN, The Black Phone, and The Invisible Man—brings Five Nights at Freddy’s to the screen.
The film follows Mike (Josh Hutcherson; Ultraman, The Hunger Games franchise), a troubled young man caring for his 10-year-old sister Abby (Piper Rubio; Holly & Ivy, Unstable), and haunted by the unsolved disappearance of his younger brother more than a decade before. Recently fired and desperate for work so that he can keep custody of Abby, Mike agrees to take a position as a night security guard at an abandoned theme restaurant: Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria.
But Mike soon discovers that nothing at Freddy’s is what it seems. With the aid of Vanessa, a local police officer (Elizabeth Lail; You, Mack & Rita), Mike’s nights at Freddy’s will lead him into unexplainable encounters with the supernatural and drag him into the black heart of an unspeakable nightmare.
The film also stars Mary Stuart Masterson (Blindspot, Fried Green Tomatoes), as Mike’s icy Aunt Jane; Kat Conner Sterling (We Have a Ghost, 9-1-1) as Abby’s caring babysitter, Max; and Matthew Lillard (Good Girls, Scream) as Steve Raglan, Mike’s smug career counselor. Five Nights at Freddy’s is directed by Emma Tammi (The Wind, Blood Moon) and is written by Scott Cawthon, Emma Tammi, and Seth Cuddeback.
Director: Emma Tammi
Writers: Scott Cawthon, Emma Tammi, Seth Cuddeback
Stars: Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail, Mary Stuart Masterson, Kat Conner Sterling, Matthew Lillard
Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
REVIEW – From the eerie pixelated corridors of the popular video game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” leaps onto the big screen in a thrilling, chilling adaptation that’s bound to delight fans and terrify newcomers. Directed by Emma Tammi and produced by the horror masters at Blumhouse Productions, this film ingeniously transforms a simple game premise into a full-blown horror spectacle.
The film follows Mike Schmidt (Josh Hutcherson), a down-on-his-luck young man, who takes a job as a night security guard at the infamous Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. What initially seems like an easy way to make some quick cash quickly turns into a nightmare as the animatronic characters come to life in the most horrifying ways.
The direction of Emma Tammi is spot-on, capturing the essence of the game’s suspense and terror, while adding layers of depth to the narrative. The screenplay, co-written by Scott Cawthon, Emma Tammi, and Seth Cuddeback, intricately weaves the game’s lore with new thrilling elements, making it accessible for both fans and newcomers.
Performance-wise, Hutcherson delivers a compelling portrayal of a man battling his own demons while fighting for survival. The supporting cast, including Piper Rubio as Abby and Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa, add to the movie’s emotional core and intensity. The animatronics, true to their original design, are terrifyingly brought to life, adding a visceral edge to the nightmarish scenario.
While the film stays true to its source material, it’s not without its flaws. Some may find the adaptation a bit too faithful, potentially alienating those unfamiliar with the game. However, the film’s strengths in building suspense and delivering jaw-dropping horror set pieces more than make up for it.
In conclusion, “Five Nights at Freddy’s” is a successful adaptation that stands on its own as a horror film. It’s a testament to the power of simple yet effective storytelling, coupled with heart-stopping horror elements. This movie is a must-watch for fans of the genre and serves as a perfect introduction to the uninitiated. Expect to jump out of your seat, as the terror of Freddy’s is no longer confined to the small screen.
FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S | Official Trailer:
