By Maalik Hawkins
Trinity Times Movie Reviewer
If you’re looking for a thrilling blend of nostalgia and gore, the sixth installment in the Final Destination franchise — Final Destination: Bloodlines — is a must-see.
The acting is solid, and the storyline sets the stage for exciting sequels.
Written by Jon Watts, best known for penning all three of the recent MCU/Sony Spider-Man films, Final Destination: Bloodlines is directed by Zach Lipovsky, in what many consider to be his most successful directorial effort to date. The film has already achieved major box office success, becoming the highest-grossing entry in the franchise. In just four days, it earned $105.7 million. The previous film in the series was released in 2011, and the long hiatus clearly allowed fans to miss the franchise — resulting in an impressive opening weekend.
Final Destination: Bloodlines centers on two siblings: Stefani, played by Kaitlin Juana (known from The CW’s The Flash), and Charlie Reyes (from the Chucky TV series). The story reveals a disturbing secret about their mother’s side of the family.
Stefani, a college student, returns home after experiencing recurring nightmares about a tragic accident from 1968. Through her research, she discovers that her grandmother once escaped death — and that her mother and uncle were never meant to be born. In a desperate attempt to avoid death’s grasp on her descendants, the grandmother has since isolated herself in what she calls a “death-safe home.”
As the plot unfolds, death begins hunting the Reyes siblings and their cousins — one by one, in the order of their births. Stefani, who shares her grandmother’s ability to foresee death, fights to protect her family. But she quickly learns that escaping death’s plan is nearly impossible. To survive, she must tap into her grandmother’s knowledge and seek help from some familiar faces.
The film succeeds in satisfying longtime fans by delivering the franchise’s signature creative and unsettling death scenes, making viewers reconsider everyday situations. It also revives the dark humor that helped define the original films. One of its strengths lies in its slower pacing, which provides breathing room to expand the series’ mythology. This deeper exploration may even inspire fans to revisit previous installments in search of new connections. The film lays the foundation for a fresh wave of Final Destination stories in the coming years — a direction supported by its early box office success.
Though Bloodlines has been positively received by critics and audiences, I wouldn’t rank it as the best in the franchise. The two leads didn’t fully resonate with me, which made it difficult to become emotionally invested in their journey. However, the dynamic between cousins Bobby and Erick Campbell emerged as the standout element, offering both humor and heart. I also believe the film could have gone further in exploring the grandmother’s survival strategies — a thread I hope will be developed in future sequels.
The film opens with the franchise’s hallmark: a jaw-dropping, fatal accident that underscores the forces of gravity and forever alters your view of heights. Brec Bassinger, known for her role in DC’s Stargirl, gives a memorable performance as the younger version of the Reyes family’s grandmother during this defining moment. Her screen presence is compelling, and a prequel exploring her years of outsmarting death would be a fantastic addition to the franchise. After all, she is the most recognizable name among the current cast.
One of the most iconic figures in horror, William Bludworth, returns once more — portrayed by the legendary Tony Todd. Todd, a Washington, D.C., native, appeared in every Final Destination film, offering cryptic wisdom as the franchise’s recurring coroner. Sadly, Todd died Nov. 6, 2024, of stomach cancer. He leaves behind a legacy that transformed the genre, especially with his unforgettable portrayal of Candyman.
I want to take a moment to honor and celebrate this remarkable man who shaped my childhood — and the lives of many others. Rest in power, Tony Todd. Your legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with fans everywhere. This review is dedicated to you.
One of the film’s most unforgettable moments features Todd in a powerful monologue that breaks the fourth wall. Aware that his time was limited, he speaks as though directly to the audience about the nature of death — a moment that is both chilling and deeply moving. It left me with a mixture of grief for the legend we lost and gratitude that he had the chance to deliver such meaningful final words.
Watching Final Destination: Bloodlines in theaters is absolutely worth it — especially for the heart-pounding suspense, shocking visuals and renewed energy the franchise needed. Brace yourself for a wild ride through the twists and turns of death’s design — because no one ever truly cheats death.
Everyday Moviegoers – 9/10
Critics – 9.3/10
Cinephiles – 8.5/10
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Maalik Hawkins is a recent graduate of Trinity Washington University.