When a franchise reaches its sixth installment, skepticism often outweighs anticipation. Yet Underworld 6: Rise of the Vampire arrives in 2025 with the confidence of a saga that knows its identity—an operatic blend of gothic spectacle, visceral action, and the eternal struggle between vampires and werewolves. At the center of it all stands Selene, once again embodied with icy conviction by Kate Beckinsale.

A Return to the Shadows

This film does not reinvent the wheel; it sharpens its fangs. The story is set during a decisive turning point in vampire history, where the resurrection of an ancient, power-hungry vampire threatens to unravel centuries of uneasy balance. While earlier films thrived on relentless action, Rise of the Vampire seeks to weave lore and lineage into its blood-soaked tapestry. The narrative plunges deeper into the mythology that has long defined the franchise.

Selene’s Evolution

Beckinsale’s Selene has always been a warrior tempered by tragedy. Here, she is not merely the assassin of old but a figure haunted by revelations from her past. The screenplay gives her more introspection than one might expect from a genre often more interested in bullet casings than character arcs. Watching Selene wrestle with loyalty, legacy, and trust provides the film with a human core amid the supernatural chaos.

Unexpected Allies

• A rogue faction of vampires seeking to preserve their lineage without domination.
• Werewolves who view the ancient vampire as a common enemy.
• A mysterious figure from Selene’s own past, whose allegiance keeps us guessing.

Visual and Stylistic Choices

The cinematography retains the franchise’s signature palette: metallic blues, stark contrasts, and cathedrals drenched in shadow. The action sequences are executed with precision, though it is in the quieter moments—the whisper of betrayal, the revelation of hidden truths—that the film earns its gravitas. The director wisely avoids excess spectacle in favor of atmosphere, allowing the gothic mood to breathe.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Strong central performance by Beckinsale, deeper narrative exploration, and visually consistent gothic style.
• Weaknesses: Supporting characters sometimes feel underdeveloped, and the pacing in the second act may test the patience of those seeking non-stop action.

Final Verdict

Underworld 6: Rise of the Vampire is less about reinvention and more about refinement. It honors the DNA of the franchise while daring to look inward, to ask what it means for Selene—and perhaps for the series itself—to survive after so many battles. It may not convert skeptics, but for longtime fans, it provides both closure and continuation. The shadows remain inviting, and the war is far from over.