Review: Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)
Introduction
Underworld: Blood Wars (2016) is the fifth installment in the long-running Underworld franchise, continuing the saga of the centuries-old war between vampires and Lycans. Directed by Anna Foerster, the film sees the return of Kate Beckinsale as Selene, the iconic Death Dealer, as she fights to survive against both factions while seeking redemption and a new purpose.
Following Underworld: Awakening (2012), Blood Wars attempts to expand the lore of the series, introducing new characters and power struggles within the vampire hierarchy. However, despite its stylish action sequences and dark gothic aesthetic, the film struggles with a lackluster script, underdeveloped characters, and a sense of repetition that makes it feel like more of the same rather than a fresh evolution of the franchise.
Plot Overview
The story picks up after the events of Underworld: Awakening, with Selene being hunted by both the vampires and Lycans. The Lycans, now led by the ruthless and cunning Marius (Tobias Menzies), are growing stronger and seek Selene’s hybrid daughter, Eve, whose blood could grant them ultimate power. Meanwhile, the vampire covens are fractured, with some factions wishing to use Selene’s combat prowess while others want her dead for betraying their kind.
Selene, along with her ally David (Theo James), finds refuge in the Nordic vampire coven, where she uncovers new secrets about her lineage and gains newfound powers. As war looms, Selene must embrace her destiny, leading to an explosive final battle between the vampires and Lycans.
While the premise is engaging, the execution feels rushed, with character motivations often feeling underdeveloped. The film also fails to deliver significant twists or emotional stakes, making it predictable for long-time fans of the series.
Themes and Tone
Underworld: Blood Wars continues the franchise’s exploration of betrayal, survival, and the nature of power. The film attempts to showcase Selene’s journey from an outcast to a legendary warrior, yet it lacks the emotional depth that previous films (especially Underworld: Evolution) provided.
The gothic horror aesthetic remains intact, with dark castles, blood-soaked rituals, and an eternal war that emphasizes the tragic nature of both vampires and Lycans. However, the film struggles to introduce new ideas, instead relying on familiar tropes that make it feel like a rehash rather than a meaningful continuation.
Action and Visuals
One of the Underworld franchise’s biggest strengths has always been its stylized action sequences, and Blood Wars delivers plenty of fast-paced combat. Selene’s fights against both vampires and Lycans showcase her deadly agility and expert marksmanship, while the large-scale battles between the two factions provide some thrilling moments.
However, the action feels less impactful than in previous films. Many sequences rely on quick cuts and CGI-heavy choreography, making them less engaging compared to the practical stunts and wirework seen in Underworld (2003) and Underworld: Evolution (2006).
The cinematography and visual effects maintain the franchise’s signature blue-tinted color palette, reinforcing the cold and eerie atmosphere. The introduction of the Nordic vampire coven offers a new aesthetic, with icy landscapes and ethereal elements that help differentiate it from previous settings. Unfortunately, these new elements are not fully explored, leaving them feeling underutilized.
Performances
Kate Beckinsale as Selene
Kate Beckinsale once again proves why she is the face of the Underworld franchise. She delivers a strong performance as Selene, balancing her character’s ferocity and vulnerability. However, the script gives her little emotional depth to explore, making her arc feel somewhat stagnant despite hints at personal growth.
Theo James as David
Theo James reprises his role as David, a vampire warrior determined to protect Selene and reshape the vampire world. While he has more screen time and a larger role in the plot, his character still lacks the charisma or complexity to make him a compelling protagonist.
Tobias Menzies as Marius
Tobias Menzies plays Marius, the new Lycan leader. While Menzies is a talented actor (known for Game of Thrones and Outlander), his villainous role feels underwritten. Marius lacks the presence and menace of previous Lycan leaders like Lucian (Michael Sheen), making him one of the franchise’s weaker antagonists.
Lara Pulver as Semira
Lara Pulver plays Semira, a power-hungry vampire who seeks control over the covens. While she delivers an entertainingly manipulative performance, her character feels one-dimensional, relying on predictable betrayals and political scheming that do little to elevate the story.
Pacing and Storytelling
At 91 minutes, Underworld: Blood Wars is the shortest film in the series, and its pacing suffers as a result. The film rushes through its setup, introducing new factions and conflicts without giving them room to develop. Key story moments feel underexplored, and some subplots—like the search for Selene’s daughter—are barely addressed, making them feel like afterthoughts rather than crucial elements of the narrative.
The climax, while visually exciting, lacks emotional weight. The resolution feels abrupt, leaving many lingering questions about the future of the vampire-Lycan war and Selene’s ultimate fate.
Music and Soundtrack
The score, composed by Michael Wandmacher, stays true to the franchise’s dark and gothic tone, blending orchestral elements with industrial and electronic influences. While the music effectively enhances the action and atmosphere, it lacks memorable themes compared to Paul Haslinger’s and Marco Beltrami’s work on earlier films.
Conclusion
Underworld: Blood Wars attempts to expand the franchise’s mythology while delivering the stylish action fans expect. However, it falls short due to a weak script, underdeveloped characters, and rushed storytelling. While Kate Beckinsale remains a compelling lead, and the film offers some visually engaging moments, it ultimately feels like a forgettable entry in a franchise that has lost its original spark.
For die-hard Underworld fans, there is some enjoyment to be found in the film’s action and gothic atmosphere. However, for casual viewers or those hoping for a strong continuation of Selene’s story, Blood Wars is a disappointing and uninspired sequel that struggles to justify its existence.
Final Verdict
Pros:
Kate Beckinsale’s performance as Selene remains strong
Stylish action sequences with some visually striking moments
Maintains the franchise’s gothic aesthetic
Cons:
Weak villain and underdeveloped supporting characters
Rushed storytelling and lack of emotional depth
Feels repetitive and fails to introduce meaningful new ideas
Final Rating: 5.5/10
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