Five Nights at Freddy's (2023): The Review

Overview

Five Nights at Freddy’s brings the cult horror game to the big screen with a mix of nostalgia, creepy animatronics, and just enough lore to keep fans engaged. It’s a film that clearly respects its source material, sometimes to a fault, favoring fan service over scares, but delivering a surprisingly heartfelt story at its core. While it doesn’t redefine video game adaptations, it’s an enjoyable (and at times eerie) ride through the neon-lit nightmare of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza.

Score: 7 out of 10

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The Positives ✅

✅ Animatronics Are On Point: The practical effects and creature design are top-tier. Freddy and the gang look perfectly unsettling, just like they should;

✅ Fan Service Galore: Deep references to FNaF lore, visual nods, and Easter eggs reward longtime fans without alienating casual viewers;

✅ Atmospheric Set Design: The pizzeria is dripping with tension, nostalgia, and retro eeriness, it’s the real star of the show;

✅ Surprisingly Emotional Core: The backstory around the main character adds unexpected heart to a franchise known more for jumpscares than feels;

✅ Strong Performances: Josh Hutcherson brings sincerity to a role that could’ve easily fallen flat, grounding the chaos with emotional weight.

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The Negatives ⚠️

⚠️ Not That Scary: For a horror movie, it leans more spooky than terrifying. Hardcore horror fans might find it too tame;

⚠️ Pacing Issues: The middle act sags, and the tone occasionally wavers between creepy thriller and YA drama;

⚠️ Lore Overload: While fans will love the details, newcomers might feel lost or overwhelmed by the dense backstory and mythos;

⚠️ Side Characters Underused: Several characters feel like they exist only to check a box or serve a quick plot beat.