Look, by Final Destination 5, the franchise started to grow mold on it, because of how stale it had become.
Someone would have a premonition, cheat Death, and a domino effect would follow where people die in the gnarliest ways. From a story perspective, it offered nothing new or original, as audiences would only tune in for the innovative kills at this point.
Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein’s Final Destination Bloodlines, which is from a script written by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, sprinkles more lore into the equation, offering something different from what the audience has seen in the prior movies. In this instance, it asks the question: What happens if someone manages to save everyone from their inevitable demise on one fateful day? Mild spoilers to follow.
College student Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) is plagued by nightmares of a horrific tragedy, which she believes features her estranged grandmother, Iris (Brec Bassinger), in her youth. With her grades slipping and desperate for answers, Stefani heads back home to try to piece together why she might be having these visions and to find out more about Iris. Despite her father and uncle telling her to stay away from Iris, Stefani soon discovers the truth about her vivid visions and how Death is an enemy no one can outrun.
As mentioned before, Final Destination Bloodlines throws a curveball into the narrative mix. This isn’t a rehash of everything that has come before it. In fact, this film ties up a few loose ends from past movies and previously introduced characters by including this twist in the tale. This additional layer of story refreshens the franchise, though it’s tough to see how it could be repeated too many times, so here’s hoping that Hollywood doesn’t learn the wrong lesson here.
That said, the filmmakers also know what the viewers are here for and stick to the tried-and-tested formula. The film gives you false hope that people can figure out Death’s design and attempt to avoid it by being extra cautious. Much like in the previous films, though, it’s nothing but wishful thinking, because Death comes at you extra hard when you try to mess with it.
In terms of Death’s Rube Goldberg machines, Final Destination Bloodlines doesn’t go for the grand airplane explosions or theme park accidents from yesteryear. Instead, it chooses the simplest and most innocuous of situations to demonstrate how Death is like MacGyver and creates chaos out of normal household items and daily routines. No one will look at a barbecue or hospital room the same way after watching this film; heck, you may even back up when you see a garbage truck coming around the corner. And if you thought the bloodshed would be toned down for 2025, think again. This is easily one of the most gruesome entries in the franchise.
Character-wise, there are two standouts for different reasons. Richard Harmon plays Erik, one of Stefani’s cousins, and he provides some of the more lighthearted moments in the film, breaking up the seriousness of all the death and destruction. Quirky and sassy, Erik steals the show as he often says the quiet part that everyone thinks out loud.
The late Tony Todd also makes his final appearance as William Bludworth. Finally, the series gives a definitive answer to who this character really is and how he fits into the story. However, one of the most memorable – and tear-inducing scenes – comes courtesy of the mystery man. He engages in a monologue that feels both like a goodbye and reminder to enjoy the precious nature of life – not just from the character but also from the actor. When you consider the real-life events that followed after Todd filmed his final performance, this scene hits on another level and proves to be a wonderful sendoff for one of horror’s greatest icons.
It’s been a while since a Final Destination film was released, and the time away has done the franchise good, because Final Destination Bloodlines is the kick in the behind that it needed to get out of its one-dimensional approach. There’s a kinetic energy and excitement to the film that suggests that Death’s comeback might last even longer than Katy Perry’s – okay, that’s not saying much, but you get the point. Final Destination is back, baby, and it’s more devilishly devious than ever. Oh, and while we’re at it: screw log trucks forever!
Final Destination Bloodlines comes to theaters May 16, 2025.
Someone would have a premonition, cheat Death, and a domino effect would follow where people die in the gnarliest ways. From a story perspective, it offered nothing new or original, as audiences would only tune in for the innovative kills at this point.
Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein’s Final Destination Bloodlines, which is from a script written by Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor, sprinkles more lore into the equation, offering something different from what the audience has seen in the prior movies. In this instance, it asks the question: What happens if someone manages to save everyone from their inevitable demise on one fateful day? Mild spoilers to follow.
Prepare for a new twist in the ‘Final Destination’ lore
College student Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) is plagued by nightmares of a horrific tragedy, which she believes features her estranged grandmother, Iris (Brec Bassinger), in her youth. With her grades slipping and desperate for answers, Stefani heads back home to try to piece together why she might be having these visions and to find out more about Iris. Despite her father and uncle telling her to stay away from Iris, Stefani soon discovers the truth about her vivid visions and how Death is an enemy no one can outrun.
As mentioned before, Final Destination Bloodlines throws a curveball into the narrative mix. This isn’t a rehash of everything that has come before it. In fact, this film ties up a few loose ends from past movies and previously introduced characters by including this twist in the tale. This additional layer of story refreshens the franchise, though it’s tough to see how it could be repeated too many times, so here’s hoping that Hollywood doesn’t learn the wrong lesson here.
Gimme gimme bloodshed
That said, the filmmakers also know what the viewers are here for and stick to the tried-and-tested formula. The film gives you false hope that people can figure out Death’s design and attempt to avoid it by being extra cautious. Much like in the previous films, though, it’s nothing but wishful thinking, because Death comes at you extra hard when you try to mess with it.
In terms of Death’s Rube Goldberg machines, Final Destination Bloodlines doesn’t go for the grand airplane explosions or theme park accidents from yesteryear. Instead, it chooses the simplest and most innocuous of situations to demonstrate how Death is like MacGyver and creates chaos out of normal household items and daily routines. No one will look at a barbecue or hospital room the same way after watching this film; heck, you may even back up when you see a garbage truck coming around the corner. And if you thought the bloodshed would be toned down for 2025, think again. This is easily one of the most gruesome entries in the franchise.
Tony Todd says goodbye in ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’
Character-wise, there are two standouts for different reasons. Richard Harmon plays Erik, one of Stefani’s cousins, and he provides some of the more lighthearted moments in the film, breaking up the seriousness of all the death and destruction. Quirky and sassy, Erik steals the show as he often says the quiet part that everyone thinks out loud.
The late Tony Todd also makes his final appearance as William Bludworth. Finally, the series gives a definitive answer to who this character really is and how he fits into the story. However, one of the most memorable – and tear-inducing scenes – comes courtesy of the mystery man. He engages in a monologue that feels both like a goodbye and reminder to enjoy the precious nature of life – not just from the character but also from the actor. When you consider the real-life events that followed after Todd filmed his final performance, this scene hits on another level and proves to be a wonderful sendoff for one of horror’s greatest icons.
The comeback is greater than the setback
It’s been a while since a Final Destination film was released, and the time away has done the franchise good, because Final Destination Bloodlines is the kick in the behind that it needed to get out of its one-dimensional approach. There’s a kinetic energy and excitement to the film that suggests that Death’s comeback might last even longer than Katy Perry’s – okay, that’s not saying much, but you get the point. Final Destination is back, baby, and it’s more devilishly devious than ever. Oh, and while we’re at it: screw log trucks forever!
Final Destination Bloodlines comes to theaters May 16, 2025.