In the two years since the first Five Nights at Freddy’s film was released in cinemas, reception to this new on-screen adaptation has varied. Criticism that, for a horror film, there was a lack of truly frightening moments. Confusion on how the lore had been changed to fit this new medium. As the weeks drew closer before the new film, it was agonising anticipating what was in store.
In preparation for the sequel, I rewatched the original film and found myself sitting in a similar area. However – whether it be Scott Cawthon (the game’s creator) being the film’s main writer or a purposeful late-night screening to fit the horror vibe – something clicked immediately for Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. The tonal shift was clear in the film’s opening; the young Charlotte “Charlie” Emily’s painful death on stage, yelling at the ignorant parents around her that eventually forms her character’s motivation for the rest of the film. I was instantly hooked. Some fans have criticised this more violent characterisation. I personally felt that the explanation given by the film, being stuck in this rageful state, added to the protectress role that the Marionette plays in the game’s lore.
One thing that has not changed since the first film is the fun of pointing out easter eggs. McKenna Grace’s character of a “Spectral Scooper” possessed by the Marionette was one that I loved. Even more so was the reference to the franchise’s fifth instalment ‘Sister Location‘ and its secret “Scooping Room” where the player is lured to be disembowelled as a vessel for Ennard.
There were, in true FNAF fashion, many more easter eggs:
- TikTok user Abdul Cisse’s beatboxed rendition of the Toreador March featured in a Freddy Fazbear plush found by Mike (definitely the funniest moment in the film).
- New animatronics being introduced; Withered/Toy versions of those in the first film, Circus Baby, Shadow Bonnie and a full-sized version of Balloon Boy
- Mike’s fight with the withered animatronics played out very similarly to a notorious fan animation by Piemations
- Game references; From ‘Security Breach’ – the title of the series’ ninth instalment – appearing on screen as Mike was shutting down the perimeter lock to arcade versions of fangames “Five Nights at Candy’s” and “POPGOES”
- YouTubers Coryxkenshin and MatPat continuing their appearance in the film adaptations, with Cory reprising his role as a taxi driver whereas MatPat takes on the new role of voicing Toy Bonnie
Of course, that is only a small selection of the sequel’s many hidden details. We cannot forget about the film’s biggest twist; the appearance of Michael Afton as the security guard of the original Freddy’s location. This may be one of the biggest deviations between the game and film lores. Typically, Mike Schmidt and Michael Afton are regarded as the same person, and mostly detached from William Afton’s work. However, the film has made a daring change here that must be important to the upcoming instalment.
Finally, the post-credits scene provides an interesting foundation for the upcoming third film. William Afton’s return as Springtrap is very much alluded to, alongside Henry Emily perhaps playing a bigger role after the recorded voicemail to Mike we hear right as the credits stop rolling.
Overall, it is looking to be an interesting blend of game lore and something entirely new for the next instalment in the film franchise.
