Final Destination is a unique franchise in its flexibility, since it doesn’t rely on a singular piece of iconography to be recognizable. Unlike other famous slasher villains, its killer doesn’t have a physical form. This means there is no association of an iconic mask or a signature weapon, which gives the franchise a huge sense of freedom. Similarly, the movies often have no survivors, which allows each installment to be a completely blank slate. However, every movie in the franchise to date has taken place in the present day, even Final Destination 5, which was a secret prequel, still felt contemporary.
With this freedom, Final Destination Bloodlineshas evidenced that it is time for the franchise to travel to the past. The premonition of the latest movie takes place in 1968 and offers a completely new aesthetic for the series, as well as proving the formula is hugely transferable. The Skyview Tower setting adds a new atmosphere, but still has the essence of the franchise by showing all the potential signals of danger. This proves that it is time for Final Destinationto take its concept to the past to avoid the movies turning stale or feeling repetitive.
‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ Takes the Series Back in Time
The premonition in Final Destination Bloodlines takes the series back in time to the 1960s and shows it in a new lens. Yet, the scene is still so distinctly Final Destination through the way the camera intensely follows disaster, particularly shadowing the penny as it gets lodged in the ventilation system before breaking free and piercing a gas canister. However, it is also fresh with its vibrancy and innovative costuming. The stylish and distinct aesthetic of ’60s glamour injects life into the franchise.
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There is a collective dance number scored by an exuberant performance of “Shout” that shows the whole crowd moving as one. This is what causes the glass dance floor to break and the patrons to fall. Something about the ensemble all dancing the same way feels unreplicable in modern day, as though if the Skyview Tower were built in the present day, the experience of those who visit would be more individualized. Every aspect of the premonition feels new and different while still following the Final Destination style. It’s an unexpected and welcome change that immediately reannounces the franchise to movie-goers, new and old.
‘Final Destination’ Isn’t Restricted by Its Villain
Final Destination Bloodlines gave a hint of history and its intrinsic link to the present through its portrayal of a premonition from the 1960s impacting lives in the 2020s. The movie shows how so many people survived the Skyview Tower disaster, meaning their offspring should have never existed, and are therefore vulnerable to Death’s wrath.
The success of the Skyview Tower premonition is evidence that it is time for Final Destination to travel back in time. It isn’t uncommon for slasher franchises to get into later installments and experiment with setting — Jason Voorhees, Pinhead, and Leprechaun all made it into space. However, these franchises are often limited by their main antagonist, whose physical form has to be transported to the new setting and consequently explained to the audience. Final Destination has proven it doesn’t have this issue due to the intangibility of death. The design of death is infinite, so the franchise could explore different time periods without feeling gimmicky or having a villain that feels outrageously out of place.
The Next ‘Final Destination’ Needs To Be Set In the Past
Through a historical setting, Final Destination could prevent itself from becoming repetitive and stale. The latest movie calls back to iconic deaths, which act as fun Easter Eggs due to the 14-year absence, but it cannot hinge on these references. Similarly, its reliance on technological and mechanical deaths is becoming more common, with the most recent being the MRI scene. A historical movie would allow the franchise to explore older methods of death that remove predictability and increase anxiety. A death trap in 1800s France? A caveman stepping on a stone that leads to his gory death? Sign us up!
Final Destination Bloodlines is in theaters now.
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Kaitlyn Santa Juana
Stephanie Lewis
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Teo Briones
Charlie Lewis
