This movie is my Roman Empire. I have waited since 2015 for this movie to finally become an actual thing. I’ve always been a Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF) fan since it first came out, and I’m still a fan to this day. Through the highs and lows of this franchise, I’ve been there and stuck through it. This movie wasn’t even really for me. It was for 5th grade me who still writes fanfiction about this game in the middle of class and thinks Purple Guy’s name is Vincent.
To say I was excited is an understatement.
For this movie, I went home and got to dress up like one of the characters, Kim, for the opening night. I also got to go with a group of my coworkers back at home and my dad — which was even better. We had been planning this since we heard about the movie coming out. We were at the 4:55 p.m. showing, and the theater was packed. There were younger kids, teens and adults. This movie was bringing everyone together.
The minute those lights turned off, my friends and I were all holding hands.
Needless to say, I absolutely loved it. This isn’t a movie for horror fans, this isn’t a movie for normal moviegoers … this is a movie for the fans. There are so many small references that made most of the hardcore fans jump out of their seats and point at the screen. My screening had kids and teens all gasping and screaming at every single thing they could recognize. My stomach was twisting the entire time because of how excited I was. I couldn’t even sleep the night before. All of the actors did such a good job, and they obviously enjoyed their roles and their time on set. Matthew Lillard made a wonderful villain (as always) and I’m so glad he got the part. This movie was such a wonderful experience and I’m so glad I got to see it on opening night.
I felt so connected while watching this movie with not just lifelong fans but new fans as well. People were complimenting my costume, they were talking about their theories in hushed tones outside the theater to not spoil it for anyone, it was like a little community. My friends and I got to talk to so many people outside of the theater and gush about their outfits and talk about our favorite animatronics. I felt like I was 12 years old again.
That’s why movies such as “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Barbie” are so very important. These are huge movies with huge fanbases that only get larger with new fans getting introduced through these movies.
But many people have a hard time understanding how someone can love and be excited about something without fear of judgement. The minute something becomes even a bit popular, and people begin to love it, it suddenly becomes a problem for those who don’t understand it. I’ve seen so many videos making fun of the “Five Nights At Freddy’s” movie and the people who loved it. The same thing goes for a few other movies that came out this year. It’s so hard for people to understand those who like something and are free of judgement.
When you’re excited about something, don’t let anyone tell you not to talk about it. Be annoying, be happy, talk about whatever you want. It’s their choice not to listen to you. Hold your little communities close to your heart and enjoy the little things in your life. No matter if it heals your inner child, if it’s something you’ve loved forever, or if it’s something you’ve just now realized you like.