Final Destination: Bloodlines Film Review: A gory horror sequel that exceeds expectations and revives the franchise

Final Destination Bloodlines review

Twenty-five years since the first film hit screens, the sixth installment in this long-running, gory horror franchise proves there’s still life—and plenty of death—in its core concept. At its heart, this series has always revolved around the chilling idea that Death is a force you can’t see, reason with, or escape.

Once its plan is disrupted, it finds new and often horrifying ways to restore balance. Fourteen years after the last chapter, the idea of fate coming for you, no matter how far you run, remains compelling. And what makes this latest entry even more engaging is that it doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it embraces the original premise and builds a story around it that feels fresh, fast-paced, and far more emotionally resonant.

A nerve-wracking start

The film opens with a showstopper—a high-altitude restaurant launch at the towering Sky View Tower, 450 feet in the air. We meet Iris (Brec Bassinger) and Paul (Max Lloyd-Jones), a young couple out on a date, who end up admiring the view rather than dining due to not having a reservation. Everything seems perfect until a small act of mischief by a boy—a tossed coin—throws the entire tower system into chaos.

The scene turns into a nightmare, culminating in a disaster that sets the tone for the film. But here's the twist: the entire sequence is a recurring dream experienced by Stefanie (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), a college student who has been plagued by it for months. As she digs deeper, she uncovers disturbing family secrets, including a name—“Iris”—that links her vision to her own bloodline.

Her journey leads her back home and finally to her grandmother, who reveals that her dream was a premonition—and that while she might’ve saved people once, Death hasn’t stopped hunting those who were present at the launch.

A tightly woven and thoughtful plot

Unlike earlier films in the series that sometimes felt like a string of death scenes stitched together, this film has a surprisingly coherent and layered narrative. It’s tight, focused, and emotionally grounded.

The writers have taken time to build context around the characters and have introduced a generational element that adds depth. Stefanie learns that a curse tied to her maternal bloodline makes her a direct target, which raises the emotional stakes and gives her a real reason to fight back. The film balances youthful energy—through its younger cast—with more grounded moments of wisdom from older characters, especially Stefanie’s father and Uncle Howard.

The standout moment remains the 20-minute-long restaurant sequence. It's tense, well-choreographed, and packed with music, romance, dread, and eventual mayhem. The CGI is sharp and realistic, helping suspend disbelief and sell the idea that you’re watching an intelligent horror movie.

Characters who matter

What elevates the film is the commitment of its cast. Kaitlyn Santa Juana, as Stefanie, shoulders much of the film and gives it both its heart and edge. Her performance oscillates between fear, urgency, and determination, and she makes the viewer root for her. Richard Harmon as Erik, Stefanie’s cousin, adds a touch of unpredictability.

His mix of bravado and paranoia adds texture to the narrative. Alex Zahara as Uncle Howard brings warmth and gravitas, acting as a moral compass amid the chaos. Still, as is tradition with this franchise, it's not just the characters we invest in—but the timing and execution of their deaths. Every viewer knows what’s coming; it’s the how and when that keeps the tension going

Gloriously ridiculous but consistently fun

Many of the deaths here are implausible, exaggerated, and stretch believability. But that’s precisely what makes the series so iconic. The fun lies in watching how far the filmmakers can push the limits of cause-and-effect carnage. Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein never lose control of the pacing, and they understand the rhythm required to keep suspense and spectacle in balance. Each kill is staged with creativity and macabre flair, and the introduction of a family curse gives the franchise a dose of mythology that feels welcome.

Long-time fans will be pleased to see Tony Todd make one final appearance, his eerie calm and cryptic wisdom once again casting a long shadow. Against all odds, this sixth film revives a B-grade horror brand with surprising flair—and delivers one of its most enjoyable entries yet.

Cast: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Brec Bassinger, Rya Kihlstedt, Teo Briones, Gabrielle Rose, and Alex Zahara

Director: Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein

Rating: 4/5

(‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ is running in theatres)