Read Time: 5 minutes
| RELEASE DATE | May 16, 2025 |
|---|---|
| DIRECTOR | Zach Lipovsky, Adam B. Stein |
| DISTRIBUTED BY | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| WRITERS | Guy Busick, Lori Evans Taylor, Jon Watts |
| CAST | Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Owen Patrick Joyner, Anna Lore, Brec Bassinger, Tony Todd |
| RUNTIME | 1h 49m |
| AGE RATING | R |
| GENRE | Horror, Thriller, Supernatural |
| BUDGET | Estimated $40 million |
Review
After a decade-long slumber, the Final Destination franchise resurrects itself with Final Destination: Bloodlines, and boy, does it wake up swinging. With a slick new cast, a multi-generational narrative, and a renewed sense of dread, this latest installment is both a terrifying reminder of the franchise’s power and a darkly funny celebration of its formula. We follow college student Stefani (Kaitlyn Santa Juana) as she’s plagued by disturbing visions of a catastrophic accident that echoes her family’s tragic past. What starts as a dream unravels into a legacy of doom passed down through generations—Death, it seems, has unfinished business. This new chapter pays homage to the classics but doesn’t shy away from refreshing the rules.
The film is packed with the franchise’s signature Rube Goldberg-style death traps. From a malfunctioning MRI chamber to an ill-placed penny, every moment is steeped in foreboding tension. Yet it’s not all doom and gloom—Richard Harmon and Owen Patrick Joyner shine as bickering brothers, adding bursts of levity that balance the gore. Horror icon Tony Todd returns as William Bludworth in what is sadly his final performance. His presence, though brief, is haunting and heartfelt—serving not only as a cornerstone for the film but a touching farewell to a genre legend. It’s a scene that stops the movie in its tracks and etches itself into horror history.
Directors Lipovsky and Stein strike an excellent balance between macabre spectacle and emotional weight. They know when to crank up the suspense and when to let characters breathe. Cinematic visuals and a pulsing soundtrack elevate the tension, making even mundane objects look menacing.Final Destination: Bloodlines doesn’t just revive a franchise—it redefines it. Smart, slick, and satisfyingly savage, it’s a reminder that you can’t cheat death—but you can certainly enjoy watching others try. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this is one ride worth taking… just maybe not in the front seat.
Watch it before it watches you.
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