After nearly a decade since Underworld: Blood Wars, the vampire-warrior saga returns with Underworld 6 — a visually striking yet narratively familiar sequel that expands the mythos while embracing everything fans love about the series: slick action, leather-clad battles, and eternal war between vampires and Lycans.
Set several years after the events of Blood Wars (2016), the film sees Selene (once again played with icy charisma by Kate Beckinsale) living in exile, healing from the devastating losses of the past. But peace is short-lived. A new hybrid threat rises from the shadows—the Vargr, a genetically engineered faction born from vampire and Lycan DNA, seeking to destroy the ancient bloodlines and start a new order. Selene must return to the front lines to protect what remains of the vampire covens—and face the legacy of her own blood.
What stands out in Underworld 6 is its attempt to evolve the franchise’s mythology. The script delves deeper into ancient lore and the consequences of immortality, adding philosophical undertones about genetic purity, power, and survival. Flashbacks explore more of Selene’s mysterious lineage, while new characters inject fresh energy, including Marcus Thorn, a conflicted vampire scientist (played by Richard Madden) and Nera, a fierce Lycan rebel (portrayed by Tuppence Middleton).
Director Anna Foerster (who previously worked on Blood Wars) returns with a sharper eye, blending shadowy gothic aesthetics with futuristic biotech themes. The action sequences are intense, fast-paced, and stylized—featuring high-speed chases through ruined cities, hand-to-hand combat drenched in neon-blue blood, and explosive confrontations in ancient cathedrals.
Beckinsale still owns the role of Selene, combining deadly elegance with emotional gravity. Her character is more vulnerable, more introspective this time—haunted by the past yet driven by duty. The film touches on themes of rebirth, loyalty, and the cost of eternal war, making Selene feel more human than ever despite her immortality.
However, Underworld 6 doesn’t fully escape some of the franchise’s long-standing issues. The plot occasionally leans on familiar tropes, and supporting characters are often underdeveloped. While the world-building is impressive, it sometimes comes at the expense of pacing—especially in the middle act, which drags beneath layers of exposition.
Visually, the film remains a feast for fans: dark corridors, snowy forests, and rain-soaked battles are shot with crisp cinematography and stylish CGI enhancements. The soundtrack—moody electronic and orchestral blends—amplifies the film’s signature brooding tone.
Underworld 6 doesn’t radically reinvent the franchise, but it does refine it. With strong visuals, welcome emotional depth, and Beckinsale’s enduring presence, it’s a worthy entry that honors the past while hinting at a more evolved future for the series.
