Final Destination: Bloodlines – The First Reviews Are In
It has been 14 years since the last Final Destination film, but it appears that the horror franchise is back and better than ever. According to the first reviews, Final Destination: Bloodlines is set to restart the series with a bang, quite literally. Critics are raving about the film’s gruesome kill scenes, clever callbacks to previous installments, and impressive visual effects.
How Does It Compare to Previous Installments?
The film has drawn comparisons to its predecessors, with many critics noting that it shares a similar DNA with Final Destination 2. As Joel Harley from Starburst notes, "Bloodlines shares most of its DNA with series high Final Destination 2, which it continually references with a series of knowing nods and winks." Courtney Howard from Fresh Fiction agrees, stating that the film "pays proper homage to previous installments, especially to Final Destination 2 in many ways other than solely the logging truck."
Does It Align Most with Any of the Other Films?
According to critics, Final Destination: Bloodlines seems to align most closely with Final Destination 2. Radheyan Simonpillai from The Guardian praises the film, saying, "For those feeling a bit trauma-fatigued, I’m happy to say Final Destination is not only back but better than ever." Alison Foreman from IndieWire adds, "Delivering the most visually impressive, emotionally compelling, and quick witted Final Destination to date, co-directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein work wonders with a reboot that shouldn’t land nearly as well as it does."
Is This One More Elevated Horror?
The film’s directors, Zach Lipovsky and Adam B Stein, have brought a new level of sophistication to the series. According to Radheyan Simonpillai from The Guardian, "Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B Stein, who broke on to the scene with the inventive low-budget sci-fi spectacle Freaks, class the joint up while refusing to let their movie take itself too seriously." Ian Sandwell from Digital Spy notes, "If you can see it in IMAX, it elevates the death sequences, leaving you on edge the moment you spot the shift."
Does It Help to Be a Longtime Final Destination Fan?
Die-hard Final Destination fans will be pleased to know that Bloodlines is full of callbacks and references to previous films. Tim Robey from the Daily Telegraph states, "Winking callbacks prove that the makers of this are interested in nothing but fan service. Staggeringly grisly, Michelin-star-worthy fan service." Radheyan Simonpillai from The Guardian adds, "Sure, [there’s] fan service, the kind so many craven reboots are prone to. But it feels more earned in Bloodlines because they’re often building to something fresh and, in one instance, even moving."
Will Newbies Enjoy It Too?
New viewers will find Final Destination: Bloodlines to be an accessible entry point into the franchise. Meagan Navarro from Bloody Disgusting notes, "Bloodlines operates as an accessible entry point into the Final Destination films." Frank Scheck from The Hollywood Reporter agrees, stating, "The Grim Reaper should garner a new generation of fans with the sixth entry."
How Are the Kills?
The film’s kill scenes have been praised for their creativity and goriness. Gregory Nussen from Deadline Hollywood Daily states, "Bloodlines includes some of the franchise’s best and nastiest kills." Frank Scheck from The Hollywood Reporter adds, "So cleverly orchestrated that the audience at the preview screening applauded each one as if they were song-and-dance numbers."
Is It Gory?
Yes, Final Destination: Bloodlines is a gory film. Tim Robey from the Daily Telegraph warns, "It is carnage for connoisseurs… Not for the squeamish." Ian Sandwell from Digital Spy notes, "Final Destination: Bloodlines is a gory dream come true for fans."
Should You Avoid This If You Suffer from High Anxiety?
If you’re prone to anxiety, you may want to steer clear of Final Destination: Bloodlines. Tim Robey from the Daily Telegraph cautions, "Anyone with a summer barbecue planned, a tattoo appointment, or (be afraid) an MRI scan, could miss this imminent trash classic and remain blissfully ignorant of the mortal dangers they are dicing with." Frank Scheck from The Hollywood Reporter adds, "It’s all too easy to imagine slipping in the shower or getting hit by a bus. The Final Destination movies merely magnify these commonplace anxieties and ramp them up to the nth degree, leaving you a nervous wreck in the process."
Is It Funny?
While Final Destination: Bloodlines has its moments of humor, some critics feel that it veers too far into black comedy. Joel Harley from Starburst notes, "It veers further into black comedy than previous films, making it less effective as a horror film and undermining some of the tension."
Are There Any Standouts in the Cast?
The film features a talented cast, including Richard Harmon and Brec Bassinger. Frank Scheck from The Hollywood Reporter praises Tony Todd’s performance, stating, "The acting highlight comes from the late Tony Todd, a series mainstay who makes his final screen appearance in his signature role as the mysterious William Bludworth."
How Are the Special Effects?
The film’s special effects have been praised for their seamless blend of practical and CGI elements. Tom Jorgensen from IGN Movies notes, "Special mention has to go to the effects here, which blend practical and VFX elements extremely well as bodies are slashed, smashed, smushed, and stuffed."
Are There Any Problems?
Some critics have noted that the film’s narrative eventually becomes predictable and that the plotline revolving around dysfunctional family dynamics can be tedious. Josh Parham from Next Best Picture states, "The narrative eventually finds a more traditional structure that isn’t as innovative by the end."
Final Destination: Bloodlines opens in theaters on May 16, 2025. With its impressive kill scenes, clever callbacks, and talented cast, it is sure to be a hit with fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes
