Genre(s) – Horror
Directors – Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein
Writers – Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor
Cast – Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Rya Kihlstedt, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, and Tony Todd
Runtime – 110 Minutes
My Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆
I expected more recycled chaos, but somehow, this blood-soaked throwback surprised me with a little heart and a whole lot of spectacle.
It’s been over a decade since the last film in this horror franchise, and honestly, I figured we’d buried this franchise. But no, death doesn’t rest, and neither do the folks at Warner Bros.
I’ve got a soft spot for the Final Destination series. The films are fun, messy, and slightly traumatic. I still can’t drive behind a logging truck without breaking into a sweat, thanks to that infamous scene in part two.
But I also thought the well had run dry. What else was left? But Bloodlines not only delivered on the creative carnage but also tried something new: plot, character arcs, and even (gasp) emotional stakes.
It’s still very much a Final Destination movie, though. People die in wildly stupid ways. Objects misbehave like toddlers on espresso. But there’s also a sense that someone involved genuinely gave a crap about the story.
Some spoilers ahead, since it’s a new film.
Plot Summary of Final Destination: Bloodlines (Spoiler-Free)
The movie opens in the 1960s, which is not something I ever thought I’d say about a Final Destination film. We’re at a massive sky-high restaurant, and. a band is playing “Shout,” people are dancing, drinking, having a good time. Then, chaos.
Our main girl, Iris, has a vision. A very bad one. In classic franchise fashion, she sees all hell break loose before it actually happens: champagne corks launching like missiles, chandeliers swaying, bolts snapping, and a glass floor that probably should not have passed inspection. After witnessing a death montage, Iris tries to save everyone, only to realize fate isn’t easily fooled.
Smash cut to the present day. College student Stefani (played by Kaitlyn Santa Juana) wakes up from a nightmare that’s been haunting her for weeks. Her grades are tanking, she’s barely holding onto her scholarship, and she decides to figure out why these dreams feel more like memories. She teams up with her younger brother and a grab-bag of extended family members, including an estranged mother, to uncover a dark family secret and maybe, just maybe, break the death curse.
Cue the return of elaborate deaths, familiar faces (yes, Tony Todd is back), and a plot that somehow ties everything together without being a total mess.
Final Destination: Bloodlines Review: Is It Worth Watching?
Final Destination: Bloodlines is a solid film, and I had fun with it.
Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But is it a massive improvement over the last few entries? Hell yes. It feels like the filmmakers finally sat down and said, “Alright, how do we make this not just another round of death-by-toaster?” The result is a movie that delivers the franchise staples while also injecting just enough humanity to keep things interesting.
These movies live or die (pun intended) by their premonition scenes. The opening one here is an absolute blast. Set in the swinging ’60s, it feels like Mad Men meets Final Destination with a disco-ball of doom hanging over everyone’s heads.
The pacing is also noticeably improved. In earlier entries, the moments between the deaths often felt like filler – you know, just enough dialogue to get you to the next blood geyser. But here, those in-between bits actually matter. Characters are given space to be more than just scream fodder. Stefani’s unraveling mystery about her grandmother adds a nice layer, and the family dynamics give it a bit of weight.
Then there’s the shift in structure. Instead of a random group of teens who happened to share a flight, this time it’s a family that’s connected by blood and trauma. It adds a little heart, which is unexpected. But. it works. And the cast brings just enough charm and awkward tension to make you care a little about who gets turned into human Jell-O next.
Tony Todd’s return as Bludworth deserves its own moment, and when he says, “Life is precious… enjoy every single second,” it lands. Not just because it’s true, but because it’s coming from that voice. I was legit sad.
The deaths themselves? As nasty and ridiculous as ever. If you’re here for the kill creativity, you won’t be disappointed. But I won’t say anything more with regards to them.
The film also actually tries to expand some of the lore. And we get some explanation for how Death works, why it follows rules, and what the hell Bludworth’s deal is. It doesn’t answer everything, and thank God it doesn’t try to. Mystery is part of the fun. But it gives you just enough.
What I liked (And What I Didn’t like)
Pros
The Opening Set Piece Is Glorious
The sky-tower disaster is everything you want from a Final Destination intro: long, suspenseful, and jaw-droppingly stupid in the best way. It sets the tone perfectly.
Characters You Can Actually Care About
For once, I wasn’t actively rooting for people to die. The family angle helps, giving the cast a reason to stick together beyond just convenience.
Tony Todd’s Final Performance
Seeing him back, even visibly ill, adds gravitas. The dedication at the end is well-earned.
A Decent Attempt at Story
There’s actual plot here, not just connective tissue between death scenes. The mystery of Stefani’s visions gives the film some narrative meat.
Creative Deaths
Let’s be honest, this is what we’re here for. The film doesn’t disappoint, with a variety of unique, cringe-worthy demises.
Cons
CGI Wobbles
A few of the death effects look like they were rendered on a 2010 laptop. Not enough to ruin the fun, but noticeable.
Slightly Underused Supporting Cast
Some family members get more screen time than others, and a few feel like they were just there to pad the body count.
The Third Act Drags a Bit
After a strong middle section, the final act tries to wrap things up neatly but it does end up losing momentum. Not a biggie, though.
Who might like Final Destination: Bloodlines
If you grew up watching the original Final Destination films and yelling at the screen, you’ll feel right at home. Horror fans who appreciate creative kills and high-stakes setups will have a blast. Anyone into nostalgic horror with a modern twist will also find something to enjoy here. And if you just want to watch a group of people try and fail to dodge death like it’s a game of dodgeball, welcome aboard.
Who might dislike Final Destination: Bloodlines
If you want your horror with subtlety, atmosphere, or anything remotely highbrow, keep walking. This is not The Witch. Folks who get squeamish at the sight of blood (or at the sound of bones crunching) should also stay away. And if you’re the type who needs airtight logic in your horror, you’ll tear your hair out before the second death hits.
Final Verdict: Did I Enjoy Watching Final Destination: Bloodlines?
Oh yes. It’s not just a decent horror film, it’s one of the better entries in the franchise. It balances what made the original films so much fun with a few new tricks to keep things interesting. The family angle adds a little emotional depth, and the kills are still as ridiculous and creative as ever.
It’s silly, it’s sharp, and it’s got just enough soul to make it feel like more than just another sequel.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m never stepping foot on a glass floor again.
Final Destination: Bloodlines Trailer
Final Destination: Bloodlines Film Facts
- A 71-year-old stuntwoman, Yvette Ferguson, performed a fire stunt, a potential world record.
- The trailer garnered 178.7 million views in 24 hours, the 2nd highest ever for a horror trailer.
- Tony Todd recorded three separate monologues, two of which were unused due to their darker tone.
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