Final Destination: Bloodlines (2025) Review – A Chilling Return

A Chilling Return to the Franchise

Last night, I saw Final Destination: Bloodlines (see trailer here) with my daughter, and while I genuinely enjoyed the movie as a standalone horror flick, I couldn’t help but feel like the story didn’t quite land when trying to tie all the other films in the franchise together.

The premise is that all the bizarre deaths throughout the Final Destination series trace back to one woman who had a premonition nearly 50 years ago. Her actions, and the lives she saved, supposedly set off decades of death chasing down those who were never meant to be born. It’s an interesting idea—one that certainly adds scale to the mythology—but if you’ve seen all the previous Final Destination films, you’ll know it just doesn’t align.

The Story That Didn’t Connect

In every prior installment, death’s design is triggered by one person having a premonition and stopping an immediate mass casualty event—then death comes for the survivors in the order they would have died. That’s the consistent structure. Bloodlines attempts to rewrite that with the concept of a multi-generational death chain, but in doing so, it undermines what made the original concept so compelling. None of the previous films hinted at characters having lost parents under mysterious circumstances, which this film now suggests was part of a larger pattern.

So does it work? As a standalone film, yes—it’s intense, brutal, and stylish. But as a cohesive tie-in to the rest of the franchise? Not really.

What Worked in Final Destination: Bloodlines

• 🔥 The acting: Everyone in the cast delivered. Whether it was a quiet emotional moment or an explosive death scene, the performances were solid throughout.
• 💀 The death scenes: These were among the best in the franchise. Gruesome, inventive, and genuinely shocking—I caught myself covering my mouth more than once.
• 🎥 The cinematography and effects: Everything was visually striking. The set pieces were well-designed, and the special effects made even the most outlandish deaths feel believable.
• 🕯 Tony Todd: Seeing him back on screen as William Bludworth (aka JB) brought tears to my eyes. His performance carried a weight that felt like both a sendoff and a homecoming. A true master.

What Fell Short in Final Destination: Bloodlines

• ⚠ The lore: Attempting to retcon the entire franchise into a single origin point made the story feel forced. While ambitious, the logic didn’t track with what’s been previously established.
• 🤷 The narrative tie-ins: If you’re a longtime fan, the attempt to reframe the entire series through this new lens may leave you confused or disappointed.

The Main Cast of Final Destination: Bloodlines

• 🕯 Tony Todd as William Bludworth (JB) – The legendary mortician returns in this final role, with a deeper look into his backstory. His presence adds weight and nostalgia to the film, and his performance is unforgettable.
• 🌟 Brec Bassinger as young Iris Campbell – A woman who, 50 years ago, had a premonition that changed the course of fate. Her decision unknowingly set off a chain of deadly consequences across generations.
• 🎭 Gabrielle Rose as older Iris Campbell – The older version of the woman whose premonition set everything in motion. Her scenes help tie the past to the present.
• 🔍 Richard Harmon as Erik Campbell – A young man at the center of the story, forced to confront devastating family truths while fighting to survive.
• ❌ Anna Lore as Julia Campbell – Iris’ granddaughter who refuses to believe what’s happening around her. Her disbelief adds tension to the unraveling mystery.
• 🧱 Alex Zahara as Howard Campbell – Julia and Erik’s father who remains firmly skeptical of the supernatural events surrounding his family.
• 💔 Kaitlyn Santa Juana as Stefani Reyes – A key member of the younger generation facing the wrath of death. Her emotional performance adds humanity to the supernatural chaos.
• 🧠 Teo Briones as Charlie Reyes – Stefani’s brother, whose role becomes more central as the mystery unfolds.
• 🎒 Owen Joyner as Bobby Campbell – A relatable character whose charm and fear make him a grounding presence amidst the horror.
• 👏 April Telek as Aunt Brenda – A protective family figure trying to make sense of the escalating danger.
• 💼 Andrew Tinpo Lee as Marty Reyes – Stefani and Charlie’s father, desperate to protect his children.

• 🌪 Rya Kihlstedt as Darlene Reyes – Mother to Stefani and Charlie, and daughter to Iris. Her complex role adds a generational weight to the ongoing terror.

Final Thoughts on Final Destination: Bloodlines

Would I recommend Final Destination: Bloodlines? Definitely, especially if you’re in it for the horror, the deaths, and the adrenaline. Just don’t go in expecting a flawless tie-in to the rest of the series. If you treat it as a fresh take or even a soft reboot, it’ll deliver on the thrills.

Rating: 8.5/10 – Visceral, suspenseful, and memorable, even if the story doesn’t quite connect the dots.

💀 If you enjoyed this review, check out my thoughts on another recent horror thriller, Sinners (2025), for more blood, emotion, and unforgettable performances.

🕯 A Final Farewell to Tony Todd

Final Destination: Bloodlines marks the last on-screen appearance of the legendary Tony Todd. His commanding presence and unforgettable voice helped shape the tone of the franchise from the very beginning. As William Bludworth, he brought mystery, fear, and depth to every scene he was in — always leaving audiences wanting more.

Tony Todd wasn’t just a horror icon — he was a master of his craft, with a career that spanned decades and inspired countless fans and fellow actors alike. His contribution to cinema, especially within the horror genre, will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Tony Todd. Your legacy lives on.