Underworld (2003)

Underworld (2003) is an action horror film that marks Len Wiseman’s debut as a feature film director. The screenplay was written by Danny McBride, based on a story co-authored by Kevin Grevioux, Wiseman himself, and McBride. For centuries, vampires and Lycans – an ancient race of werewolves – have been locked in a hidden battle. After the apparent death of Lycan leader Lucian at the hands of vampire Kraven, who takes his place as second-in-command to the leading elders, the vampires begin to gain the upper hand. However, Selene remains determined to eliminate the Lycans as a member of the ‘Death Dealers’, an elite group of vampire assassins. Despite other vampires no longer considering them a threat, Selene continues her mission. It is during a clash with the Lycans that she discovers their target: Michael Corvin, an apparently ordinary medical student.

Despite Kraven’s insistence to ignore the situation, Selene takes it upon herself to privately investigate Michael. After approaching him, the pair find themselves being chased by a pack of Lycans, who are led by Lucian. Despite thinking that he was dead, Selene realizes that Lucian is still alive and he bit Michael while they were escaping. With Kraven being the only witness to Lucian’s alleged demise, Selene begins to suspect that he may have lied and is secretly working with the Lycans. In order to protect Michael, Selene wakes up an ancient vampire elder named Viktor and hides Michael in a secure location. However, she fears that Michael may turn into a werewolf due to the bite from the Lycans and therefore restrains him. As they spend more time together, Selene opens up to Michael about her past, including how Viktor adopted her and turned her into a vampire after her family was killed by Lycans.