Underworld Awakening

Underworld Awakening (2012) is the immersive fourth installment in the popular Underworld franchise, returning once again to its gothic horror roots with an adrenaline-fueled blend of action, drama, and creature feature frights. Kicking into gear with an immersive opening sequence, the film lays down the stakes for an epic battle between vampires, lycans, and humans.

In the titular role we have Kate Beckinsale reprising her signature role as Selene, the lethal and resilient vampire warrioress. Selene finds herself in a world drastically different from the one she left, a dystopia where her kind are feared, hunted and interned in concentration camps after being discovered by the human public. The mysterious disappearance of Michael, her werewolf-vampire hybrid lover is a major concern for her as she tries to grapple with the new reality.

The storyline is extended further with the introduction of a new set of characters, including the tough and sharp-witted Detective Sebastian played by Michael Ealy. He is a human policing officer, who soon becomes an unlikely ally. Another important character addition is the teenager, Eve, portrayed by India Eisley, adding another layer of suspense and intrigue to the narrative. The movie unravels their interlinked destinies and the peril they hold for the underworld balance.

Selene's objective then pivots from pure survival to a thrilling rescue mission, as she rallies against the vastly superior human forces. She has to reconnect with her own kind, lead them, and forge alliances all while unraveling the truth about the changes that have come over the underworld in her absence.

Underworld Awakening retains the distinctive visual style of the series: high contrast lighting and desaturated colors create a chilling and ominous atmosphere. Various settings fit seamlessly into this arrested world, from grimy sidewalks to pristine labs reminiscent of the dark ages where gothic horror thrived.

The film's action sequences are a standout treat, with director Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein maintaining a relentless pace that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seat. The ongoing war between the vampires and lycans is presented at its pinnacle scale in this movie. This dramatic conflict is escalated to new levels using extensive visual effects, ensuring that Underworld Awakening delivers on its promise of being a gripping action-fantasy saga. The transformation of humans, vampires, and werewolves have been particularly impressive, each more chilling, gruesome, and fantastic than the last.

There is something joyously compelling about Kate Beckinsale's powerful and dignified physical presence in the role of Selene. She remains just as captivating, as she was when she first stepped into the character's combat boots and latex suit in 2003. Beckinsale has owned the role of Selene in every sense possible, and Underworld Awakening is no exception.

Michael Ealy and India Eisley extend their top-class performances on the screen. Ealy provides a suitable foil to Beckinsale's Selene, bringing a touch of humanity and vulnerability to the otherwise heightened world of the movie. Eisley, on the other hand, impresses with her performance as the mysterious, complex Eve, offering an interesting dynamic to the narrative.

The top-notch supporting cast includes Stephen Rea and Charles Dance, adding weight to the acting ensemble, and enriching the movie's narrative depth.

Coming from Screen Gems and Lakeshore Entertainment, Underworld Awakening firmly embraces the series' mythology while introducing new elements to keep things interesting for the viewers. It offers a unique take on the world where werewolves and vampires exist amongst humans and holds plenty of scares, action-packed sequences, and jaw-dropping special effects. If you loved the previous Underworld movies, Underworld Awakening is an exhilarating continuation of Selene's saga that absolutely demands your attention.