Accidents happen all the time ... death has a design

Rating: 8/10 (25 December 2005)

The first few scenes of Final Destination are designed to grab attention and set the scene for the remainder of the film, with minimal verbalization and a good dose of shock-value. Connections between characters are set in place ... in more than one way. All in all, everything a good intro should have.
There is, for a while, a sense of tension between Alex and other main characters during ensuing events. All but one of the characters are to some degree irrational about the situation that has unfolded. This is to me a merit of the film, because people are very often irrational in such situations, and understandably so. The film avoids the trap of simplistic or sentimental indulgences, opting for more complexity in the emotions and actions of the characters.
One of the things that stood out in this film from me was how little felt predictable, particularly given design is the central point. In fact, some of the events are downright unexpected, particularly the ... shall we say ... abrupt ones?
If you're going to build a film around a well-defined set of rules, then the plot should be developed within those rules, and sufficient information given about why the rules have been broken, when they're broken. Final Destination shows that with some thought it is possible to achieve this, and to good effect (why can't more horrors do so?) And even with a clear design, there is plenty of suspense. The malevolence in this film is subtle, in a fashion, yet at the same time it manages to pack quite a punch. Supernatural elements are used sparingly and effectively as a plot device, without becoming intrusive. The main characters are convincing, even if the acting of some of the more peripheral characters is left wanting at times. The cinematography and atmosphere round things out nicely.
This film has a cleverly conceived and coherent plot - one that stands up after the film is finished, and the events scrutinized. So what is the final destination for the characters? Find out ... it's a great ending.