After 14 years, the horror franchise that made a generation afraid to drive behind logging trucks is back. Up until now, I’d call most of these movies guilty pleasures, but Final Destination: Bloodlines delivers all the gnarly deaths you’d expect, pairing them with a far more interesting story and characters. This is undoubtedly the best instalment yet, and some of the most fun I’ve had at the theatre this year.
These movies are built to fuel our twisted morbid curiosities in the most entertaining ways possible. Bloodlines delivers some of the franchise’s most elaborate deaths yet, with plenty of clever fake-outs to keep audiences guessing how and when these characters will kick the bucket. The writing and performances from the cast ensure this group is likeable, but not so likeable that we don’t enjoy see them killed off in wild ways. Because we care about their plight, it gives the movie a sense of stakes that we can actually invest in, even if we know many of the characters are mortally doomed.
Basing this story around one family, and introducing the “bloodline” lore gives this instalment a more unique hook than any of the other FD movies. It’s smarter, and has more coherent reasoning behind it, but doesn’t lose sight of what viewers are paying to see. The deaths feel more personal to the survivors, and gives them all the more reason to try and stop it. There are some great Easter eggs and callbacks to the series’ past, including a killer recreation of the fifth movie’s poster. Tony Todd’s cameo is a fitting send off for the horror legend, with a final improvised line that really resonates given his recent passing.
The foreshadowing and setup leading to each demise is just *chef’s kiss*. The way the camera moves in to highlight every potential danger, like the directors are setting the table for a delectable five course meal. Even when you know a character is about to be killed off, the creative ways the film gets them from point A to D (dead) are so well orchestrated. It’s another gory outing, but the deaths are so over-the top that it becomes more entertaining and comical than disturbing, which fits the tone of the movie perfectly. While there are some cool practical elements, a lot of the bloodshed is digital. The CGI effects aren’t bad, but I would’ve preferred a stronger emphasis on practical elements.
Bloodlines revives the Final Destination franchise for the most elaborate and cohesive round of deaths yet. So get in your car and make your way to the closest theatre to see this on the big screen - just steer clear of any logging trucks on the way.
3.5/5