The 2025 horror film Final Destination Bloodlines is a fitting end to a long running franchise. You guys make me want to shout out to the rafters: This one was great. This was a long awaited return to form for this sequel ridden horror fest. The film also features the late Tony Todd in his final role.
It seems unnecessary to mention it, but this should be the last trip to Final Destination land. Todd was an integral part of that series. I talked to him about the franchise way back in 2014 and he had some great insights. I will admit to tearing up a little at his closing line in the film. He was a true professional and gentleman.
Final Destination Bloodlines Story
A seemingly unconnected college girl dreams of a premonition about a disaster. The film starts us in this dream. A “per usual” spot of staving off death turns into a familial tale of final destination avoidance.
The Cast
Kaitlyn Santa Juana is Stefani Reyes.
Teo Briones is Charlie Reyes.
Rya Kihlstedt is Darlene Campbell.
Richard Harmon is Erik.
Owen Patrick Joyner is Bobby.
Anna Lore Julia.
Brec Bassinger is young Iris.
Gabrielle Rose is old Iris.
Kick Arse Cameo
Tony Todd is JB; aka William John Bludworth
Final Destination Bloodlines Behind the Camera
Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein put this final destination story through its paces. These two were willing to go that extra mile for this end to the franchise. They were also astute enough to let Todd “wing” his final exit line. It is to weep perfection.
Three writers share credit for this one. The storyline of learning that your dear old missing grandma has been fighting death for decades is pretty good. It is a logical carry on to the second Final Destination where Ali Larter’s character starts her fight to win.
The Deaths
Of course Final Destination Bloodlines offers up some pretty impressive deaths, and near deaths. There are a few times where the suspense drum roll is held too long. For example: That dancing sequence in the tower takes far too long.
But.
The build up with Erik in the tattoo parlor is brilliantly paced and sadistically funny. If ever there were any arguments against body piercings. Those still in doubt will be convinced during a later scene with a huge magnet.
Ouch.
All Final Destination Bloodlines deaths are, like the rest in the franchise, gruesome and overly graphic. Fans of these films know that the gorier the better. I will admit to leaping up when the grandma proves to her grandchild that the whole thing is real. Had I been eating popcorn, it would have been airborne in an instant.
Speaking of Real
The addition of Tony Todd as Bludworth is appropriate here. This is not the actor I met in ’14. In his final role Tony, is obviously ill unto death. It is a credit to his professionalism that he turned up.
His fans, adored all the things he did from Candyman to Final Destination Bloodlines. They closely identified, however, with his character in the destination films.
To them, Bludworth was death. Or at the very least, its spokesperson.
As Tony himself told me in Las Vegas, “Death always wins.”
Final Destination Bloodlines Verdict
The films earns a solid 5 stars for its return to form. I was as engrossed in this one as the very first destination story back in 2000. Final Destination Bloodlines can be rented or bought via Prime and other streaming platforms.
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