So I went and saw Final Destination: Bloodlines, and I have to be 100% honest—I went into this movie completely blind. I didn’t watch any trailers. If I did, I don’t remember. I actually forgot the movie was even coming out, especially since I haven’t gone to the movies much this year, not like in years past.
My History with the Franchise
I wouldn’t say I’m an expert on the Final Destination films, but I do remember watching at least the first three and enjoying them. The premise is definitely gruesome and probably not for everyone. It’s not like the usual horror films that glorify death or go into what I call “horror porn,” like the Saw franchise. I liked the first Saw, but everything after kind of went off the rails. While not every entry in Final Destination is a hit, Bloodlines actually surprised me.Spoiler-Free Impressions
I don’t want to spoil too much because this is one of those movies you just need to see for yourself. It does a great job connecting all the films without retconning anything, which a lot of franchises love to do. It holds to its original lore. Most of the characters are interesting or at least tolerable—you’re not just sitting there waiting for them to die. There was even a point where I hoped they’d all survive, especially the main group they focused on.Understanding the Premise
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Final Destination movie without the brutal deaths. I say “deaths,” not “murders,” because technically no one is murdering these people. If you’ve been living under a rock for the last couple decades, the Final Destination franchise has a simple concept: The main character gets a premonition about a deadly event. Something small triggers a deadly chain reaction. People die in horrific, unexpected ways. The character wakes up, realizes they saw the future, and tries to stop it. Death, in these movies, is a force of nature. A plan is in place. If you mess it up, Death finds a way to fix it.What Bloodlines Does Differently
What stood out in Bloodlines is the new twist it adds to the lore. Normally, if you’re the last person who was supposed to die, you’re the last one Death comes for. But in Bloodlines, they explore a new concept. Iris, the main character, has a premonition and manages to save over 200 people from a tragic accident. That’s a huge difference compared to earlier films, where only a few survive. The accident doesn’t even happen this time. Because so many people survive, Death is delayed. These people live full lives, have kids, grandkids—and now Death has to catch up and remove every person connected to the original list.A Story That Spans Generations
This is where Bloodlines really gets creative. The movie is both a prequel and a sequel: The first part takes place around 30 years before the original movie. The second part jumps forward, likely around 2024. The idea that Death’s list extends through generations adds a fresh layer to the mythology. If someone wasn’t supposed to live, then their children and grandchildren technically aren’t supposed to exist either.The Deaths—Over-the-Top and Entertaining
Let’s not forget why we watch these movies—the deaths. As expected, the deaths in Bloodlines are exaggerated, ridiculous, and sometimes hilarious. And yes, I rooted for some characters to go. Once the movie gets going, it doesn’t let up. It even teases you by showing what’s going to happen before it happens, a classic Final Destination move. There are plenty of callbacks and Easter eggs for long-time fans.Tony Todd's Powerful Final Performance
One of the highlights of the film is Tony Todd’s return. He’s played the mysterious coroner in previous films, always hinting that he knows more than he says. In Bloodlines, we finally learn who he is, why he knows so much, and how he connects to the start of the franchise. It’s a meaningful and well-earned reveal. Tony Todd, known for roles like Candyman, The Rock, and even voicing Zoom in The Flash, gives his final film performance here. Diagnosed with stomach cancer before filming, Todd kept it private. His final lines in the movie were improvised:> “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.”That quote hit hard. A beautiful and emotional farewell from a legend.
