FILM REVIEW
FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES
Rated R
110 Minutes
Released May 16th
This is the sixth entry in the Final Destination movie franchise that began in 2000, and the first chapter to be released in 14 years. The movie opens with a beautifully rendered scene that looks to be set in the early 1960s and is based on iconic images from that time, melded together into an architecturally striking backdrop of a gorgeous dining room and dance floor set sky high on top of a column. Guests are celebrating the opening of the venue. The architecture resembles the famous John Lautner Chemosphere house from that period, which looked like a round spaceship jutting out of a cliff. The apparel, the manner of speech, the hair styles, the way the actors move, the entertainer, and the music are all meticulously true to the period.
The story starts its roll in this setting and never loses its flow. This is a carefully crafted film, creative in its visualizations and storyline, with unexpected twists and riveting, complex characters who reflect people you know. The cinematography and editing are remarkable, intimate where emphasis is needed, and featuring great landscape pans to set the scenes. I was blown away (if not already so by the shock value in some scenes) by the vivid environments, realized in the settings. Each is specific to what’s developing in the story and in the lives of the characters. Remember that time your dad or mom or older sibling told you not to do something because it might kill you? Remember that news article you read about an unexpected, gruesome, and horrific accident? Well, it all comes to pass in rapid-fire sequence in this movie.
Full disclosure, I have not seen any of the prior five Final Destination movies, so I can attest that this film stands on its own. I had no expectations going into the theatre other than reading many past role descriptions to submit actors through our talent agency. The basic theme that sets up the “horror” is that the characters know that their deaths are foretold. I assumed that this movie would be using fear and horror simply to shock the audience and draw in viewers. I was wrong. I couldn’t help but think that the story is somewhat Shakespearean, and I could see it being played out on the dirt stage at The Globe Theatre in the early 1600s, the audience roaring with each unexpectedly gory scene. The story draws you in, enticing you to identify with each character before the worst happens. Humor is not forgotten in ironic twists and in those “Oh, that’s almost happened to me” scenes.
“How?” you may ask, “did two unknown film directors secure the job of helming the newest installment of one of Hollywood’s classic franchises, and then hire a relatively young, inexperienced cast with no major names to make e a film that is capturing the praise of audiences and critics alike?” It turns out producers made a leap of faith. Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein “literally faked their own death to land the gig.” In their Zoom pitch for the studio, the fireplace they were standing in front of “accidentally burst into flames” and then a ceiling fan crashed down from above and decapitated one of them. They had prerecorded footage that they deftly edited into their live pitch with the New Line studio execs. The executives were doubled over with laughter and took a chance on the two directors, who in turn took a chance on their relatively unknown cast.
There are many little-seen talents in this movie. Lipovsky and Stein took a chance on hiring them, and they came through as a tightly knit troupe who obviously enjoyed working with each other. It’s not easy to create a memorable ensemble with this many characters, but this cast succeeds, and has a female as the main protagonist, Kaitlyn Santa Juana as “Stefani,” who has only one feature on her credits. Richard Harmon as “Erik” also carries the story. His character is troubled and complex, and you want to root for him. Teo Briones as “Charlie,” Brec Bassinger as “1960’s Iris,” and Owen Patrick Joyner as “Bobby” tug at your heartstrings. This was celebrated character actor Tony Todd’s last film before he passed away in November 2024. You’ll see his final monologue, which he framed in his own words.
Final Destination Bloodlines opened with the top domestic weekend box office in the history of the franchise. Audiences and critics gave it a thumbs up. For its major fans, there are many hidden pieces of trivia to find, referencing symbols, actions, words, music, and lyrics from other chapters. If you are squeamish about blood and gore, this may not be the movie for you. If you can get beyond that and see the humor and social commentary lurking in the background, or if you just want to enjoy a well-crafted piece of cinema, yes, go for it. If you’re bored with your life and your emotional fight-or-flight reflexes need to be exercised, definitely see this movie.
Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people. She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica. kboole@gmail.com
