Underworld
2003 · Directed by Len Wiseman
Original language: English
- fantasy
- action
- thriller
The story
Vampires and werewolves have waged a nocturnal war against each other for centuries. But all bets are off when a female vampire warrior named Selene, who's famous for her strength and werewolf-hunting prowess, becomes smitten with a peace-loving male werewolf, Michael, who wants to end the war.
What it’s like
Cold blue-teal night and sodium-orange interiors give this film its look: rain-slick streets, gothic stone halls lit by candle and torch, and a glossy, high-contrast digital sheen that favors slick chrome, black leather and bursts of muzzle flash. The camera moves fast and kinetic in its action sequences, with quick cuts and sweeping crane shots, then settles into quieter two-shots when its central pair finally talk. A pulsing industrial score and thudding electronic percussion drive the fights, while the calmer scenes give way to an uneasy hush of distant sirens and dripping water. The vibe is moody, stylised gothic action with a romantic undertow, best suited to a late-night watch with the lights low. Intensity is high: frequent shootouts, sword and claw combat, bloody wounds and vampire feeding, with bites and deaths shown plainly but not in extended gore. It suits viewers who want a glossy, brooding genre piece with a forbidden-romance pulse and plenty of stylised action, and it will not fit anyone looking for something gentle.
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