“Bloodlines” Successfully Revives “Final Destination” Series

Now that I finally got through my “Final Destination” revisit, it’s time to talk about the long-awaited return of the franchise with “Final Destination: Bloodlines.”

A sixth movie of the franchise has been slowly developing since the commercial success of “Final Destination 5.” At one point during development, the sequel was planned to be released on streaming via HBO Max before being pivoted to a theatrical release. So, let’s talk about the new sequel, “Bloodlines,” which is honestly way better than I expected.

The newest chapter in New Line Cinema’s successful franchise takes audiences back to the very beginning of Death’s twisted sense of justice.

Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefani heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all.

Not only does “Final Destination: Bloodlines” bring us the usual grisly set pieces that the entire franchise is known for, it also adds some surprising emotional layers as well.

“Bloodlines” delivers a gripping and thrilling story that can actually be one of the best in the series. The opening sequence of this sequel is probably one of the best in the series - in fact, it’s very close to beating the iconic openings of the first two movies. Sure, we get a little glimpse of the restaurant tower disaster in the trailers. But, that’s just a little taste of what is actually seen on the big screen! This opening sequence is quite thrilling and visually awesome. And could make you think twice about standing on a glass floor.

One thing that “Bloodlines” does better than some of the previous movies is how the movie builds the tension. Unlike the last couple movies where the tension mainly

comes from a few cheap jump scares, this sequel delivers an eerie atmosphere (almost like the first two), slow-burning suspense (which helps make the tense moments great) and the feeling that something terrible is lurking just out of frame, which adds to the fun this movie provides.

One of the most suspenseful scenes in the movie is where we see the lead character, Stefani, visit her grandmother for the first time and see the grandmother’s fortified house. The entire scene (and the house itself) is rather creepy and the whole sequence is gripping as it also dives more into what happened at the restaurant tower.

“Final Destination: Bloodlines” also features quite a few moments that really stand out. Besides the soon-to-be iconic opening sequence, there’s a scene set at a tattoo parlor that is quite insane and extremely tense at times. Another moment that’s also quite memorable is the scene featuring the late Tony Todd, who portrays the iconic mortician.

This scene, which is also Todd’s final performance as the character William Bludworth (the actor passed away in November), has been widely praised as a touching and heartfelt goodbye from the actor to the franchise and the fans. Part of the scene is also improvised, and it allowed the late actor to speak directly from the heart, offering a powerful message about life and death. And, honestly, it is one of the best parts of the movie.

Overall, if you’re a huge fan of the series, you will be surprised with “Bloodlines.” The visual effects are great, the opening sequence is easily one of the best and the humor that is scattered throughout is actually funny (well mostly). This new sequel also adds new twists and turns on the franchise’s formula, which really works quite well. With how this movie turned out, I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for the series!

Cast: Kaitlyn Santa Juana (Stefani Reyes); Teo Briones (Charlie Reyes); Rya Kilhstredt (Darlene Campbell); Richard Harmon (Erik); Owen Patrick Joyner (Bobby); Anna Lore (Julia); Alex Zahara (Uncle Howard); April Telek (Aunt Brenda); Tripo Lee (Marty Reyes); Gabrielle Rose (Iris); Tony Todd (R.I.P Candyman) (William John Bludworth).

Writer/director: Guy Busick (Ready or Not; Abigail; Scream VI) (writer); Lori Evans Taylor (writer); Zach Lipovsky (director); Adam B. Stein (director).

Trivia: This marks the first “Final Destination” movie in 14 years. While in early development, it was said that the story would dive into the deadly world of first responders. This idea was eventually scrapped due to issues with creating a coherent and fulfilling third act.

This also marks the final movie of late actor Tony Todd before his death, he was visibly in rough shape while filming but he pushed through to reprise one of his most iconic roles.

MPA; Rated R for strong violent/grisly accidents, and language   (running time 110 minutes)

• Final film of actor Tony Todd before his death, he was visibly in rough shape while filming but he pushed through to reprise his iconic role.

• Tony Todd was allowed total creative control over his final scene, since he clearly didn't have much time left and the crew wanted him to have the final word of his career. His final monologue was one that the crew encouraged him to use to impart some last advice to fans.

• In the previous films of the franchise, the producers tried to schedule the filming of a character's death scene on the actor's last day of filming. During the making of this film, most of the actors had to film their death scenes on their very first day.

• On September 23, 2022, Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein were officially announced as co-directors for the project. The directing duo are passionate fans of the series, and even went so far as to orchestrate a death scene during their pitch meeting to the studio over Zoom, using a combination of pre-recorded footage and visual effects, involving a fire and malfunctioning spinning ceiling fan, which broke from the ceiling and decapitated one of the filmmakers. Those involved in the meeting, including executives and producers, erupted into laughter.

• The studio pulled a prank on Mother's Day by inviting mothers and their adult children for advanced screening of the movie with the fake romantic comedy titled Love at the Sky View.

• The first trailer received 178 million online views within the first 24 hours, the second-most of any horror film, after It (2017), with 197 million views.

• This is the first Final Destination movie in 14 years.

• While an early treatment was said to delve into the deadly world of first responders, this idea was eventually scrapped due to issues with creating a coherent and fulfilling 3rd act. The official script by Lori Evans Taylor and Guy Busick has been rumored to preserve some elements of the early treatment, including death scenes, but now follows an original story involving the effect of Death's design on surviving family bloodlines.