Synopsis:
Underworld: Evolution is a direct continuation of Underworld, released in the year 2003, adding a new chapter to the already existing dark story of the war between werewolves and vampires. The plot takes place right after the events of the first movie, in which Death Dealer Selene and the newly turned Michael Corvin are on the run. Further, this film would detail western Lycan and vampire bloodlines and the origins of these families, suggesting that the battle was caused by two brothers, one a vampire, and one a vampire-werewolf.
But new enemies appear also to Selene and Michael, and this one is Markus, a vampire elder played by Tonie Curran, whose purpose after awakening becomes freeing William, the first werewolf and most dangerous blooder. As a powerful vampire than Selene, known as Markus hunts both Selene and Michael in search of a key that could release his brother, Selene must learn what she has been trying to hide for all these years. Their journey is filled with bloody war, revealing hidden family secrets, and finally finding out that Selene possesses a power that would be the last ticket to prevent Markus from terrorizing the world with a ferocious beast.
Awards & Wins:
Similar to the first film, Underworld: Evolution did not win any major awards but garnered praise for its action sequences, visual effects, and continuation of the franchise’s rich lore. It found success primarily with fans of the original film, further solidifying the series’ cult status.
Cast & Crew:
- Director: Len Wiseman
- Main Cast:
- Kate Beckinsale as Selene – The skilled vampire warrior now facing her own dark history.
- Scott Speedman as Michael Corvin – A hybrid vampire-werewolf caught between two worlds.
- Tony Curran as Markus Corvinus – The first vampire and a powerful elder determined to free his brother.
- Derek Jacobi as Alexander Corvinus – The immortal father of both Markus and William.
- Steven Mackintosh as Andreas Tanis – A treacherous vampire historian who holds key knowledge of the past.
- Screenplay: Danny McBride, Len Wiseman
- Cinematography: Simon Duggan
- Music: Marco Beltrami
IMDb Ratings:
- IMDb Score: 6.7/10
- Underworld: Evolution received similar critical feedback to the original film. While the visuals and action sequences were praised, some critics felt the story became increasingly convoluted. However, fans of the franchise continued to enjoy the expanded lore and the blend of mythology with modern-day action.
Personal Insights:
Underworld: Evolution continues with the same Gothic design and the same action-focused storyline as in the first film but takes it to a higher level by delving into the past of the vampires and the Lycans. There is more of this film, a sense of there is more to lose, and there are more fights in the film and in these fights we see Selene transforming from a killing machine known as Death Dealer, to a woman trying to uncover her history and fix it.
The was the hortical adds to the world since there are two main characters one of whom is a vampire and the other is a werewolf which makes this war more personal than political. We find that Tomas is not simply head of the clan, he is also a head of the temple. The sight of Tony Curran as Markus is rather intimidating towards the end of the flick as he changes to a winged vampire hybrid which was one of the best aspects of the film. The appearance of the character Alexander Corvinus played by Derek Jacobi has vitally important context relations to the story and brings forward the historical aspects of the source of conflict.
This time however, a cocktail of action sequences, the fantastical and the sheer fierceness of Kate Beckinsale is not dispensing suspense from the film. The bond between Selene and Michael also evolves as they grow nearer to each other, thereby enhancing the story with yet another element of romance amidst the struggles.
As for the fans of the first movie, those people who don’t know the film series Underworld: Evolution will be really disappointed because the story is self-contained, offering so-called level-up in the development of the universe explored. This film also aims at satisfying its audience’s craving for action, but in this case undertones that develop the setting of the story are present which makes way for more films.