Final Destination: Bloodlines – (2025)

Release Date: May 16, 2025
Directors: Zach Lipovsky & Adam B. Stein
Writers: Guy Busick & Lori Evans Taylor
Cast: Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Tony Todd, Teo Briones, Richard Harmon, Brec Bassinger, Gabrielle Rose, and more

So, Why Did I Decide to Watch Final Destination: Bloodlines?

I wasn’t too sure about this one going in. I absolutely loved the original Final Destination — it’s a classic for a reason. But sequels? Sometimes they spoil the magic or just don’t live up to expectations. Honestly, I’m often wary of horror sequels, because the formula can get stale or the scares feel forced.

When I checked what was playing, the options were this and Mission Impossible, which runs over three hours (and honestly, I haven’t seen all the prequels!). So, I decided to give Bloodlines a shot — and I was actually pretty surprised! It wasn’t what I expected, in a good way.

A Quick Plot Recap: Death Runs in the Family

The movie opens with a chilling accident at a San Antonio construction site back in 1968 — a perfect creepy setup that sets the tone for what’s to come. Flash forward to the present day, where Stefani Reyes (played by Kaitlyn Santa Juana) and a group of young survivors narrowly escape a catastrophic disaster at the fictional Skyview Tower — which is clearly inspired by San Antonio’s Tower of the Americas.

Now, here’s the twist that Bloodlines brings to the franchise: death is no longer just hunting down a random group of strangers who cheated it once; it’s targeting entire bloodlines. Meaning, if your family’s cursed, death will come for you and yours. I thought this was a fresh take because it adds a more personal and emotional layer without overcomplicating the storyline. The core idea remains: cheat death, but it always finds a way back — in a particular, almost poetic order.

Gore Warning: It’s Brutal (and That’s the Fun Part!)

Firstly, if you’re not too fond of scary or gory movies, this might not be the one for you. Let me say it now — this film is definitely gory. Even I had to look away a few times during the kill scenes and cover my eyes! There’s one especially nasty sequence involving an MRI machine and some body piercings that’s downright brutal.

But honestly, that’s part of what makes Final Destination movies enjoyable for fans like me — the inventive and sometimes absurdly creative deaths mixed with the shock factor. The gore is over the top, sure, but it’s done with a sort of dark playfulness. The movie runs for about an hour and a half, so the pace is tight and tension stays high the entire time. I appreciate a horror movie that doesn’t drag or waste time.

Cast & Performances: New Talent with a Touch of Horror Legend

I hadn’t heard of Kaitlyn Santa Juana before, but she absolutely carries the movie. Her performance as Stefani feels genuine and grounded — she strikes a good balance between fear, skepticism, and determination that really pulls you in. She’s someone I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on in future projects.

Then there’s a heartfelt cameo from Tony Todd, who reprises his iconic role as William Bludworth, the mortician figure who’s been a staple in the Final Destination universe. Given Todd’s passing in 2024, this cameo feels like a respectful and touching farewell. His improvised monologue on fate and fear is haunting and perfectly timed.

The supporting cast, including Teo Briones (American Horror Story), Richard Harmon (The 100), and Brec Bassinger (Stargirl), all give solid performances. Their chemistry feels believable, which makes the stakes feel higher when their characters meet their inevitable ends.

Visuals & Direction: Stylish and Suspenseful

The film was shot by veteran cinematographer Mark Irwin, known for his work on horror classics like Halloween and The Fly. The visuals are sharp, stylish, and packed with inventive set pieces that add to the movie’s eerie atmosphere.

Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein lean heavily on practical effects for the death scenes, which keeps everything feeling tactile and real — a welcome break from the CGI-heavy horror flicks that flood the market these days. The death sequences are the hallmark of the franchise, and Bloodlines delivers some of the most creative, disturbing kills yet.

I found myself scanning every frame, waiting for the next disaster to unfold, and that’s exactly the kind of tension you want from a Final Destination movie.

My Overall Thoughts: A Decent, Fun Horror Sequel

To be honest, I wasn’t super keen on this sequel before watching it. But I’m not mad at it at all — Bloodlines was a decent watch. The storyline is simple and straightforward, which makes it easy to follow without losing interest.

It’s well shot, as you’d expect from Warner Bros., and the pacing keeps things engaging from start to finish. The bloodline twist adds a nice emotional layer to what could’ve been just another run-of-the-mill horror flick.

If you like horror thrillers and don’t mind the gore, I’d recommend giving this a shot. It’s a solid addition to the Final Destination franchise with enough fresh ideas to stand on its own.

I’m giving Final Destination: Bloodlines an 8 out of 10. Honestly, I could see them doing another sequel because this one feels like it’s been well received, and there’s plenty more story to mine here.

Public Feedback: Fans and Critics Weigh In

The reaction from fans and critics has been largely positive. Many horror enthusiasts praise the film for bringing new life to the franchise while keeping those signature, inventive death sequences that fans love.

Kaitlyn Santa Juana’s breakout performance has been a highlight for many viewers. On review sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb, Bloodlines scores comfortably above average for a horror sequel, which is not always easy to achieve in this genre.

That said, some diehard fans miss the randomness of the original films. The bloodline concept, while fresh, limits the unpredictability a bit, making some deaths feel more "scripted" in terms of who’s next.

Controversy: Gore, Ratings, and Franchise Fatigue

As expected with a horror movie heavy on gore, Bloodlines has sparked some debate over its violent content. Some viewers think it’s too graphic, especially considering the younger demographic that horror thrillers sometimes target nowadays.

The MPAA rating of R is appropriate, but there’s ongoing chatter about whether the franchise should tone down the bloodshed or fully embrace its cult horror status. Personally, I think the gore fits the movie’s style and audience well.

There’s also the usual discussion about franchise fatigue. While Bloodlines is definitely a step up from some recent sequels, some critics question if Final Destination can keep reinventing itself successfully. But for now, I think they’ve done a decent job of keeping things fresh and fun.

Lastly, Tony Todd’s cameo sparked emotional discussions among fans, with many applauding the respectful tribute while others wished for a bigger sendoff to the horror legend.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)

➡️ If you’re into horror thrillers with inventive kills and a bit of emotional depth, definitely check out Final Destination: Bloodlines.
➡️ Keep an eye on Kaitlyn Santa Juana — she might be the new face of horror.
➡️ And watch out, there might just be another sequel on the horizon!