Underworld Rise of the Lycans 2009 reveals the rich Underworld backstory with some exciting additions to the mythology of this fantastic horror series, writes DAVID SAUNDERSON
TITLE: Underworld Rise of the Lycans
YEAR RELEASED: 2009
DIRECTOR: Patrick Tatopoulos
CAST: Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra, Kevin Grevioux, Steven Mackintosh, Kate Beckinsale
Review of Underworld Rise of the Lycans
Underworld Rise of the Lycans takes us back to the origins of the fierce and bloody conflict between two powerful supernatural races: the aristocratic vampires and their enslaved werewolves, known as the Lycans.
This prequel serves as an fascinating exploration of the Underworld universe’s ancient history, shedding light on the beginning of a war that has raged for centuries.
At the centre of this story is Lucian (Michael Sheen), the first of the Lycans, a passionate and determined leader who yearns for freedom from the tyranny of his vampire overlords.
Lucian’s desire for emancipation ignites a rebellion that threatens to topple the centuries-old vampire regime.
His greatest adversary is Viktor, played by Bill Nighy, a cold and calculating vampire elder, fiercely protective of his power and willing to commit any atrocity to maintain it.
Caught between them is Sonja (Rhona Mitra), Viktor’s daughter, whose forbidden love affair with Lucian complicates the already tense and volatile situation.
Their doomed-from-the-start romance adds a tragic layer to the unfolding conflict, highlighting the personal cost of the epic battle that is to come.
The film transports the audience to a dark, gothic world filled with brooding castles, fog-shrouded forests, and ancient halls echoing with the whispers of past betrayals.
Michael Sheen reprises his role as Lucian with remarkable intensity, bringing a mix of charisma, fury, and vulnerability to the character. His performance is compelling, making Lucian a character you can sympathise with, even in his darkest moments.
Opposite Sheen, Bill Nighy is chillingly effective as Viktor. With a gaze as cold as ice and a presence that dominates every scene he inhabits, Nighy brings a regal yet ruthless quality to Viktor. His portrayal of the vampire elder is a study in menace; Viktor is a character driven by fear of losing control and a deep-seated belief in his own superiority. Nighy’s delivery of even the simplest lines oozes with sinister intent, making Viktor a memorable antagonist.
Rhona Mitra, as Sonja, adds emotional depth to the story. She brings both strength and vulnerability to her character, who is torn between her loyalty to her father and her forbidden love for Lucian. Mitra’s performance captures the essence of a woman trapped by circumstance, duty, and love, making the tragic romance at the film’s core feel genuine and poignant.
While the narrative of Underworld Rise of the Lycans treads familiar ground – themes of forbidden love, rebellion against a tyrannical force, and the struggle for freedom – it does so with a sense of urgency and passion that keeps the viewer engaged.
The film is driven by a desire to deepen the lore of the Underworld universe, exploring the origins of characters fans have come to love and hate, and revealing the birth of the Lycans and the start of the vampire-werewolf war.
What truly sets “Rise of the Lycans” apart is its commitment to expanding the mythology of the Underworld saga. It gives viewers a deeper understanding of the series’ universe, showing how the initial seeds of conflict were sown. But the film is not without its flaws.
The plot, while generally engaging, occasionally feels predictable, borrowing heavily from well-known tropes of star-crossed lovers and heroic uprisings. There are moments when the dialogue veers into melodrama, and certain scenes seem more like padding than necessary elements to advance the story. These flaws, however, do not overshadow the film’s overall impact and appeal, especially for those already invested in the Underworld franchise.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans remains a dark, action-packed adventure that gives fans of the series exactly what they want: a deeper dive into the history and mythology of this beloved supernatural universe. It thrives on its atmosphere, rich character dynamics, and intense battles, offering plenty of twists and turns along the way.
For fans of the franchise, or anyone who enjoys a good vampire versus werewolf showdown, Underworld Rise of the Lycans is a must-watch. It successfully expands the Underworld saga, adding new layers to its history while delivering the kind of dark, gothic entertainment the series is known for. It’s a reminder of why this twisted, fantastical world continues to captivate audiences with its tales of fangs, fury, and forbidden love.
The next film in the franchise is Underworld Awakening 2012, but the less said about that the better. Let’s just savour Rise of the Lycan until Underworld goes downhill.
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