Introduction
The Underworld saga has always thrived on its blend of gothic spectacle, relentless action, and the eternal war between Vampires and Lycans. With Underworld 6: Rise of the Vampire (2025), the franchise returns once more to the shadows. Kate Beckinsale steps back into her iconic role as Selene, proving that time has not dulled her lethal elegance. But does this sixth installment breathe new life into the saga, or does it merely tread familiar ground?
The Story
Set in the aftermath of a crumbling vampire empire, the film follows Selene as she confronts a hybrid warlord capable of wielding power over both Vampires and Lycans. With the ancient council gone and old hierarchies shattered, chaos becomes the new order. Selene, forced into alliances she would once have scorned, joins hands with a rogue Lycan leader in a desperate bid to prevent the extinction of both species.
A Deeper Mythology
- Exploration of forbidden bloodlines
- A prophecy tied to Selene’s lineage
- Unraveling ancient secrets that reshape the saga
This narrative thrusts Selene into a journey not only of survival but of self-discovery. It is a familiar yet engaging path, laced with revelations that keep the story from collapsing under its own mythology.
Performances
Kate Beckinsale once again commands the screen with a physicality and gravitas that have defined Selene since 2003. Her portrayal here feels both hardened by loss and sharpened by vengeance. The supporting cast, though serviceable, often plays second fiddle to Beckinsale’s enduring presence.
Direction and Visuals
The film doubles down on gothic aesthetics—shadow-drenched castles, blood-soaked battlefields, and the familiar blue-gray palette that has become the series’ visual signature. Action sequences are mounted on a grander scale, with heavy use of slow motion and elaborate choreography that will please long-time fans. Yet, there are moments where the spectacle overwhelms the emotion, leaving little room for quiet reflection.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works
- Kate Beckinsale’s commanding performance
- Visually striking gothic world-building
- Expanded lore that enriches the Underworld mythology
What Falls Short
- Predictable narrative beats
- Supporting characters underdeveloped
- Action sometimes overshadows storytelling
Final Verdict
Underworld 6: Rise of the Vampire is not a reinvention of the wheel, nor does it pretend to be. It offers what fans have come to expect—stylized violence, gothic flair, and the enduring magnetism of Selene. While it stumbles in narrative ambition, it succeeds as an unapologetic return to form. For longtime followers of the series, it is a satisfying, if not groundbreaking, continuation. For newcomers, it may feel like an echo of battles already fought.
Rating
3 out of 4 stars – A fierce return that embraces its legacy, even as it struggles to escape it.