Five Nights at Freddy's

Five Nights at Freddy's is a supernatural horror film released on October 27, 2023, in the United States, directed by Emma Tammi. The film is based on the popular video game series of the same name created by Scott Cawthon. In this movie, Josh Hutcherson stars as Mike Schmidt, a troubled security guard who takes a job at an abandoned pizzeria filled with animatronic mascots that are haunted by the spirits of murdered children. The cast also includes Elizabeth Lail, Piper Rubio, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Matthew Lillard.

The development of the film began in April 2015 under Warner Bros. Pictures. Over the years, the project faced numerous delays and changes in direction, ultimately moving to Blumhouse Productions, where it found a new home. Filming took place in New Orleans from February to April 2023, with a production budget of $20 million.

Upon its release, the film also became available for streaming on Peacock, attracting attention despite the mixed critical reception. Five Nights at Freddy's grossed an impressive $297.1 million worldwide, making it Blumhouse's highest-grossing film to date, surpassing the 2016 hit Split. The film's success has led to plans for a sequel, Five Nights at Freddy's 2, slated for release on December 5, 2025.

The plot begins with a chilling opening scene in the infamous Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, where a night security guard is captured by a torturous animatronic device. Fast forward to the present, Mike Schmidt is fired from his job as a mall security guard following a misunderstanding involving a child. In desperate need of work, he accepts a job at the spooky pizzeria, where he faces eerie experiences linked to the ghosts of missing children.

Throughout his shifts, Mike uncovers the dark history of the pizzeria, including its haunted mascots—Freddy Fazbear, Bonnie, Chica, Foxy, and Mr. Cupcake. The story delves into his dreams about his younger brother's kidnapping, leading him to encounter the spirits of the children who haunt the animatronics. As the narrative unfolds, Mike discovers that these mascots are not just machines; they harbor the souls of children who were victims of a horrifying crime.

As Mike navigates this terrifying environment, he learns about the animatronics' intentions and the true story behind their creation. Tension escalates when Mike’s younger sister, Abby, is inadvertently drawn into the chaos, and the siblings must work together to confront the sinister force behind the pizzeria. The film culminates in a battle against the malevolent presence of the yellow rabbit animatronic, revealing shocking connections to Mike's past and a deeper conspiracy involving his new friend, Vanessa.

Despite its box office success, Five Nights at Freddy's received generally negative reviews from critics. The film holds a 32% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics noting that while it may delight fans of the game, it lacks the genuine thrills expected from a horror adaptation. Many reviewers remarked that the film struggles to balance horror with humor effectively, resulting in a narrative that often misses its mark.

In summary, Five Nights at Freddy's is an ambitious adaptation of a beloved video game that aims to blend horror elements with character-driven storytelling. While it has emerged as a commercial hit, its critical reception suggests that finding the right balance between scares and story remains a challenge for video game adaptations.