“Final Destination Bloodlines” (2025)

Horror

Running Time: 110 minutes

Written by: Guy Busick and Lori Evans Taylor

Directed by: Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein

Starring: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger and Tony Todd

William Bludworth: “I intend to enjoy the time I have left, and I suggest you do the same. Life is precious. Enjoy every single second. You never know when… Good luck.”

“Final Destination: Bloodlines,” the sixth installment in the beloved horror franchise, arrived on May 16, 2025, after a significant hiatus, and it proved to be a welcome, and surprisingly poignant, return to the gruesome delights and darkly comedic sensibilities that fans have come to adore. Directed by the duo Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, and with a story from none other than Jon Watts (of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” fame), “Bloodlines” injects fresh blood into the series while honoring its established legacy.

The film kicks off with an intriguing shift in perspective, transporting us to 1968, where a young Iris Campbell (Brec Bassinger) experiences a terrifying premonition of a catastrophic collapse at the grand opening of the Skyview Restaurant Tower. This opening sequence is vintage “Final Destination” at its best – a masterclass in tension-building, meticulously choreographed chaos, and visceral gore that sets the bar incredibly high. It’s a “beautiful orgy of death,” as one director aptly described it, and immediately reassures long-time fans that the franchise’s signature set pieces are back and better than ever.

The narrative then leaps forward to 2024, focusing on Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), Iris’s granddaughter, who begins to experience similar prophetic nightmares. Her visions are of the very Skyview tower, but in her dreams, it collapses, killing her family. As Stefani delves into her family history, she uncovers the chilling truth: her grandmother’s averted disaster in 1968 created a “bloodline” of survivors, and Death has been systematically claiming their descendants in the order they would have died. This “bloodline” concept is a clever way to expand the lore, creating a more interconnected and personal stakes for the characters, rather than the usual random group of strangers.

Kaitlyn Santa Juana delivers a strong, emotionally grounded performance as Stefani, carrying the weight of the premonitions and the desperate race against Death. However, the film’s true breakout character, and arguably the fan favorite, is Erik Campbell (Richard Harmon), one of Stefani’s cousins. Erik provides a much-needed comedic edge and some of the most memorable moments, deftly balancing the horror with well-timed humor. The ensemble cast, including Teo Briones as Stefani’s brother Charlie, Rya Kihlstedt as Darlene (Stefani’s estranged mother), and April Telek as Aunt Brenda, all contribute to a believable, if dysfunctional, family dynamic, making their inevitable demises all the more impactful.

And speaking of demises, “Bloodlines” delivers on the franchise’s promise of elaborate, inventive, and often darkly humorous death sequences. From the jaw-dropping opening to the smaller, more personal kills, each one is a Rube Goldberg machine of impending doom, meticulously designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film expertly plays with audience expectations, often setting up a death only to subvert it, or revealing a hidden element that makes the payoff even more satisfyingly gruesome. While some reviews noted a couple of less impactful deaths (Darlene’s, and the final sequence), the majority are top-tier and stand alongside the franchise’s best. The MRI scene, in particular, has been lauded for its originality and visceral horror, resonating with many viewers, especially those with piercings and health anxiety.

A significant, and emotionally resonant, aspect of “Bloodlines” is the return of horror icon Tony Todd as William Bludworth. Todd’s appearances in “Final Destination” films have always been pivotal, offering cryptic warnings and philosophical insights into Death’s design. In “Bloodlines,” his role takes on a new, poignant significance. Bludworth’s connection to the 1968 premonition, and the revelation of his own decades-long battle with Death, adds a profound depth to his character. Many critics and fans have hailed his scene as a powerful, almost valedictory performance, serving as a fitting farewell for an actor who has become synonymous with the franchise. The camerawork in his scene, framing him as if speaking directly to the audience, enhances this sense of a personal goodbye.

“Bloodlines” manages to strike a near-perfect balance between horror and comedy. It embraces the inherent absurdity of its premise without devolving into parody, finding the humor in the elaborate setups and the characters’ often oblivious reactions. The practical and visual effects are well-blended, delivering satisfyingly goopy and impactful gore that feels tactile.

While the film’s “bloodlines” concept offers a fresh angle, some have pointed out that the narrative eventually settles into a more traditional structure, and certain subplots (like Stefani’s relationship with her mother) feel a little underdeveloped. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging and entertaining horror experience.

“Final Destination: Bloodlines” has been a critical and commercial success. It has garnered a 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the highest-rated film in the franchise. At the box office, it has grossed over $285 million worldwide, surpassing previous entries and proving the enduring appeal of the “Final Destination” brand. It’s a testament to the filmmakers’ understanding of what makes this franchise tick: creative deaths, a compelling “premonition,” and a healthy dose of dark humor.

Ultimately, “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is a triumph. It’s a fantastic jumping-on point for newcomers and a deeply satisfying experience for long-time fans. It successfully reinvents the concept just enough to feel fresh, while staying true to the core elements that have made “Final Destination” a beloved horror staple. It reminds us that Death’s design is relentless, unpredictable, and always ready to reclaim what’s owed, but sometimes, the journey to the grave can be a hell of a fun, and surprisingly emotional, ride.