We’re in an exciting time for video game adaptations. Shows like Fallout on Prime Video shine a spotlight on gaming stories, welcoming fresh fans. Yet not all adaptations hit the mark—The Last of Us season 2 and the Uncharted movie fell short. This year, Five Nights at Freddy’s impressed with its blend of horror and entertainment, but its sequel seems to stumble.
The sequel loosely follows the 2014 game Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, continuing the story of security guard Mike, his sister Abby, and officer Vanessa. They’re still grappling with the chaos caused by animatronics tied to Vanessa’s father, a notorious killer. Abby, feeling the loss of her robotic buddies, hopes to resurrect them.
In this film, we dive into the original Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza, where we meet The Marionette, a terrifying new character tied to the series’ lore. Initially introduced in the game, The Marionette is haunted by her past and believes Abby is key to her freedom. However, understanding her motives may not be easy for those less familiar with the source material.
While I enjoyed the first film even without prior knowledge of the games, the sequel ramps up the complexity. It includes more characters and lore, often leaving newcomers lost. This is partly due to Scott Cawthon, the game’s creator, taking on sole writing duties. While Cawthon has a strong grasp of the story, it feels less accessible this time. Key details about characters and their motivations often come late, frustrating viewers who aren’t well-versed in FNAF history.
Interestingly, audience reactions, especially from dedicated fans, added an extra layer to my viewing experience. Gasps and chuckles at specific moments clued me in on the significance of certain scenes. It highlighted how important it is for adaptations to cater to a broad audience, not just veterans of the franchise.
The movie struggles to deliver the same horror as its predecessor. Despite being rated PG-13, the tension and thrills are less impactful. The story tries to be expansive but ends up feeling scattered.
Piper Rubio’s performance as Abby stands out. She brings emotional depth and a strong sense of determination. Yet, some narratives fall flat, like a science teacher’s unnecessary cruelty towards her. This feels jarring and detracts from the overall tone of the film.
The film introduces a father grieving the loss of his daughter, played by Skeet Ulrich, who delivers a haunting performance. This character brings a necessary weight, creating poignant moments amidst the chaos.
While Hutcherson and Lail have moments, their characters lack development compared to Abby’s journey. Mike seems detached, and Vanessa continues to deal with her past without much growth. A breathless delivery from Lail, effective in her previous role, doesn’t fit well here.
In summary, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 feels like a step back. While it has exciting moments and horror elements, the confusing plot may alienate casual viewers. Unlike the first film, which felt welcoming, this sequel might leave newcomers feeling lost.
For fans eager to revisit the franchise, it may spark interest in the games themselves. But for those unfamiliar, it serves mostly as a chaotic puzzle that may not be worth the effort to piece together.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 hits theaters on Dec. 5.
