‘Underworld’: The Epitome of Vampire Cool for 15 Years and Counting

It’s 2003, Evanescence and Marilyn Manson are topping charts, and every Hot Topic in the country is safely guarded by mall-goths. Kate Beckinsale is zipping up her leather catsuit (or should that be Batsuit, har har) and gearing up to kick some Lycan ass, in Underworld.

From writer Kevin Grevioux, and writer/director Len Wiseman, and brought to life by Sony Pictures, Underworld follows vampire warrior and assassin, Selene (Beckinsale), as she attempts to fulfill her assignment in wiping out the last of the Lycans (Werewolves).

From the very opening scene, it’s a Gothic dream. Selene is perched atop a tall building, looking over the grim Budapest metropolis beneath her, as the camera pans the gloriously Gothic buildings. She’s hot on the trail of a group of Lycans, who just so happen to be chasing the human, Michael (Scott Speedman). They all end up in the subway station and the scene turns from a melancholy lament into a fast-paced action extravaganza faster than the vampire-slaying UV bullets the Lycans have loaded in their pistols.

Selene’s introduction is the epitome of cool, taking the Vampire stereotype and upping its game tenfold. The black leather trench-coat, corset, leather pants, buckled knee length high heeled boots. The subtle fangs and freakishly blue eyes that add to the gaunt, pale face synonymous with blood suckers. The way she lands on her feet so casually emphasizes her immortality and how unphased she is by danger.

The rest of the characters are the perfect mix of the Interview with a Vampire/Dracula stereotype and black leather contemporary coolness. Lycan hitman, Raze (Kevin Grevioux), terrifying in his huge human form, and even more so in his wolf form; Vampire Elder, Viktor (Bill Nighy), channeling Nosferatu but with a more human look, which somehow makes him creepier. Human Michael’s turn into a hybrid after being bitten by Lycan Leader Lucian (potentially killing him) and again by Selene (saving his life), creates the blue skinned, hollowed out, black-eyed hybrid Lycan/Vamp of nightmares.

Which brings us onto the plot, and why it was hated by critics. In Underworld, Vampires and Lycans were created after a survivor of a virus epidemic passed the virus onto his three sons. One son was bitten by a bat Markus, creating vampires; the other was bitten wolf William, creating Lycans. The third wasn’t bitten by anybody and died, so let’s not talk about him. This story, which got even more messed up, by the way, seemed too confusing for reviewers, and might have even baffled the odd fan. But, as with plenty of cult classics, you don’t always need to understand everything that’s going on to appreciate a brilliantly filmed piece of cinema.

The film’s soundtrack was a huge contributing factor to the brooding, edgy, gothic vibe of the movie, as well. Produced by Danny Lohner (previous works include: Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Finch) and distributed via metal label giants, Roadrunner Records, it consisted of 19 tracks of metal, hard rock and industrial; and even featured a remix of David Bowie’s “Bring Me the Disco King.”

Much to fans’ excitement, and critics’ confusion, the movie has spawned three sequels: Underworld: Evolution (2006), Underworld: Awakening (2012), and Underworld: Blood Wars (2017); and a prequel: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009). There was also an animated movie, Underworld: Endless War (2011), with three short stories taking place throughout the Underworld timeline.

It’s bad news for fans hoping to see any more of Selene, though, as Kate Beckinsale has said she will not be bringing the character back, ever (“I wouldn’t return, I’ve done plenty of those”). But her ex-husband, Len Wiseman (director and co-writer of the first couple of movies, and involved in the whole franchise), is bringing the vampires to the small screen, in an apparently “less comic book in its tone and character” TV series.

So, while the white collar, middle-aged movie critics of the early noughties didn’t appreciate the cool, cheesy at times, goth heaven that was Underworld, us fans certainly did, and still do. Now, leave me in my solitude to do my dark bidding on the internet (I’m bidding on a black leather trench-coat, obviously).