It might be the fifth instalment in its franchise, but Underworld: Blood Wars looks to be bringing new life into the old tale. Not only does it feature Kate Beckinsale’s leading action hero Selene being drawn back into a centuries-old conflict with renewed vigour and motivation, but it also brings audiences the feature film directorial debut of Anna Foerster (Outlander).
As a sequel to 2012’s Underworld: Awakening, Underworld: Blood Wars catches up with Selene as she’s forced to fight to end the war between the Lycans and the Vampires, while villainous characters are literally out for the blood of her, and her daughter. Cue lots of shots of Kate Beckinsale flying through the air in her distinctive costume, and firing off quips and one-liners at every passing villain.
This may not be Oscar-worthy material, but the Underworld film franchise is one of the most successful female-led theatrical action series, and is delivered here by a female director for the very first time. It presents a dramatic, thrilling ride that is a great deal of fun, and an interesting spin on the kind of mythological creature-feature aspects that usually spawn tepid teen romances.
There’s nothing tepid about this trailer for Underworld: Blood Wars though – there’s rage and venom in every frame, and we can’t wait to see the film in its entirety on January 6th, 2017.
