Underworld 6 (2025) – Detailed Review
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Overview

Underworld 6 (2025) is the latest installment in the popular Underworld franchise, blending gothic horror, action, and a dark fantasy world where vampires and werewolves battle for supremacy. Directed by Len Wiseman, who helmed the first film in the series, this sixth entry marks a significant return to the core narrative and tone that made the original films so beloved by fans.

Set several years after the events of Underworld: Blood Wars (2016), Underworld 6 dives deeper into the fractured war between the Vampires and Lycans, focusing on a new generation of warriors while also exploring the legacy of Selene (Kate Beckinsale), the franchise’s iconic heroine. As a new threat rises to challenge the vampire and werewolf factions, old alliances are tested, and the boundary between enemies and allies becomes increasingly blurred.

The film combines the signature, action-packed sequences fans have come to expect from the franchise with the classic themes of vengeance, power struggles, and the consequences of immortality. The result is an exciting, blood-pumping adventure that pushes the series into new, darker territory while honoring its origins.

Storyline

The story of Underworld 6 picks up a few years after the defeat of the main antagonist in Blood Wars, but the war between the Vampires and Lycans is far from over. The once-thought-defeated Lycan forces have regrouped under a new, charismatic leader, Viktor Draken (played by Michael Fassbender), a powerful hybrid with a mysterious past. He seeks to overthrow the old vampire order and establish a new world order where Lycans no longer live in the shadow of their vampire oppressors.

Selene, the legendary Death Dealer, is forced out of her retirement when she learns of Viktor’s rise and his dangerous ambition. However, she is not alone. She is joined by Eve (played by India Eisley), her daughter, who is now a young woman with incredible powers of her own. As a hybrid (born of both vampire and Lycan blood), Eve’s powers are the key to the new conflict, and both factions seek to control her.

The plot revolves around Selene’s quest to protect Eve while navigating a treacherous landscape filled with betrayal, shifting allegiances, and a brutal war that threatens to consume both sides. The stakes are higher than ever as the supernatural world is on the brink of an all-out war that could tip the balance forever. Along the way, Selene confronts both her own troubled past and her complex relationship with Eve, as well as the dark forces that are manipulating both the vampire and Lycan factions.

The story also delves into the origins of the vampire and Lycan conflict, offering a deeper exploration of their shared history and the mythic creatures at the heart of their blood feud. Selene must make difficult decisions, particularly as the lines between good and evil become increasingly blurred.

Characters and Performances

• Selene (Kate Beckinsale) – Beckinsale returns to her iconic role as Selene, the fierce, skilled vampire warrior. In Underworld 6, Selene is no longer the young, vengeful fighter we first met in the original film. She is now a battle-hardened, wiser figure, grappling with the responsibilities of being both a mother and a protector of the vampire race. Beckinsale brings depth to the character, portraying a woman torn between her loyalty to her kind and her love for her daughter.
• Eve (India Eisley) – As the offspring of both vampire and Lycan blood, Eve is a unique and powerful character in the Underworld universe. In this film, Eve has grown into a formidable young woman with incredible abilities, including strength and speed beyond both vampires and werewolves. India Eisley brings a fresh energy to the role, capturing Eve’s youthful uncertainty, emotional conflict, and fierce determination to find her own place in the world.
• Viktor Draken (Michael Fassbender) – Viktor is the new Lycan leader, a hybrid with a dark past and a powerful vision for the future. Fassbender brings his usual intensity to the role, playing a character who is both a compelling villain and a sympathetic figure. His motivations are complex, and he walks a fine line between hero and monster, making him an intriguing addition to the franchise.
• David (Theo James) – David, the loyal vampire who played a key role in Blood Wars, returns in this film as Selene’s ally. He has now become a more prominent figure in the vampire council, trying to balance loyalty to Selene with his duties to the vampire race. James plays David with strength and integrity, and his character’s evolution adds a new layer of depth to the ongoing saga.
• Marius (Gérard Butler) – Marius is a charismatic and ruthless Lycan general, another key antagonist in the war. He is fiercely loyal to Viktor but has his own agenda for achieving power. Butler’s performance is chilling and intense, adding a much-needed threat to the already dangerous conflict between vampires and Lycans.

Action and Visuals

As with all Underworld films, Underworld 6 delivers on the action front, with visceral, high-energy combat sequences that showcase the abilities of both vampires and Lycans. The fight choreography is impressive, and the use of slow-motion sequences enhances the impact of these battles. Expect intense sword fights, high-speed chases, and brutal hand-to-hand combat, all set in dark, atmospheric locations.

One of the standout features of Underworld 6 is the visual effects. The filmmakers push the limits of CGI to create stunning depictions of the supernatural creatures—particularly the Lycans, who are presented as more monstrous and terrifying than ever before. The hybrid nature of characters like Viktor is explored with remarkable detail, with their transformations shown in a way that feels both brutal and visually stunning.

The film also maintains the gothic, noir aesthetic that has been a hallmark of the Underworld series, with its dark, moody lighting, shadow-filled environments, and bleak urban settings. Whether it’s a decaying vampire castle or a futuristic cityscape, the visuals help to create a rich, immersive world.

Themes and Direction

At its heart, Underworld 6 continues the series’ exploration of themes like loyalty, family, revenge, and the consequences of immortality. Selene’s relationship with Eve is central to the film’s emotional core. The film also questions the nature of power and what happens when the balance between vampires and Lycans shifts, with both sides fighting for control of the future.

The film also delves into the concept of identity. Eve, as a hybrid, represents the blurred line between vampires and Lycans, forcing both factions to confront their own prejudices and fears. As the war intensifies, characters are forced to decide whether they will stand by their old loyalties or adapt to the new world order.

Director Len Wiseman brings his signature style to Underworld 6, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspense while ensuring that the action stays at the forefront. Wiseman effectively balances the series’ core elements—dark romance, action, and supernatural intrigue—while introducing fresh conflicts and new characters that shake up the status quo.

Conclusion

Underworld 6 (2025) is an exciting and darkly atmospheric entry in the Underworld series, with plenty of action, intrigue, and emotional stakes to keep fans invested. The return of Kate Beckinsale as Selene is a welcome one, and the addition of new characters like Eve, Viktor, and Marius adds fresh energy to the franchise. With its thrilling action sequences, deepening mythology, and exploration of the hybrid conflict, the film pushes the series into new territory while staying true to its roots.

The film serves as both a continuation of the Underworld saga and a potential setup for future films, leaving the door open for further exploration of the vampire and Lycan conflict, as well as the growing tension between the factions.