Final Destination: Bloodlines

Horror is a tricky genre to get right. It requires a delicate balancing of elements, namely suspense, emotion, levity, the grotesque and the unnerving, among others. For as many films get made and released in the genre each year, only a handful are worth the time and effort to see them. Final Destination: Bloodlines, is the rare film from late in a franchise where, I am happy to report, these elements are all present. Featuring the late, great Tony Todd in his final film role, as recurring franchise character William Bludworth, the film focuses on character development and emotions over mere shock value. Here, the character most advanced in development is Death itself.

Courtesy Warner Bros

The Final Destination series is based on the simple conceit that you cannot escape Death, because if you try, Death will come after you very hard. The Rube Goldberg traps by which various characters have met their demise is a series staple and as much a part of the anticipation for the films as the traps in Saw, or the latest twist in the history of the Strode-Myers clan in Halloween. Here, the set pieces are more elaborate and yet more deeply rooted in who the people are that we watch meet their doom. Beginning in 1968, a couple manages to avoid their fate, only for their family to discover, decades later, that Death has come to wipe out what never should have been.

That we get to care about these people is unusual, because what typically happens in Final Destination is that one meets a group of truly terrible people and you do not mind seeing them suffer horrible deaths. Here, while many of the characters are still less than noble, you come to understand them more than usual and, perhaps, care for them a bit. As a result, the deaths have added punch. This is not to suggest the film contains a particularly witty or original script, but it is a film that understands how to tell this kind of a story and tell it well, in a way that keeps the audience engaged.

Courtesy Warner Bros

Notably, it does not take itself seriously, yet never crosses over into outright camp, while never losing a sense of fun, danger, or suspense. The expansion of the history of the Final Destination universe and lore — particularly the revelations about Bludworth — feel like a chance for the series to get a soft reboot. Moving forward, the series has new ideas and rules to draw on, and that is only good news. Too many horror series forget to abide by the rules they set down and this is one genre where it is all about the rules.

Are any of the kills going to be all-time series highs, you might be asking and the answer is, absolutely yes. The opening sequence reminded this writer of parts of Ghost Ship mixed with old school action films, while one scene in particular is likely going to be the highlight of the film, and not just for the violence. Indeed, each act of violence works because of how it is set up in character. Not by people being stupid but by people being people and by how they arrive in their ways that we understand what motivated and brought them to this decision. There is not a kill in the film where you go “idiot. Good” and that is a relief, given where the series has gone.

Courtesy Warner Bros

This is not a film where you will walk away from it thinking “that is the best film of the year” and it is not even likely to be the best horror film of the year. It could be the best film in the franchise, at least in many installments. It has solid characters, some nifty mythology and fun kills and takes the material seriously without ever taking itself seriously. In a horror film of this type, what more can you ask for?

Final Destination: Bloodlines is now playing in theaters.