Underworld: Awakening (2012) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Underworld: Awakening” (2012) is the fourth installment in the popular “Underworld” franchise, which focuses on the eternal war between vampires and lycans (werewolves). Directed by Måns Mårlind and Björn Stein, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale, reprising her iconic role as Selene, the lethal vampire Death Dealer. This film is a thrilling return to action-packed supernatural warfare, offering stunning visuals and intense fight sequences.
In this review, we’ll break down what makes “Underworld: Awakening” a standout entry in the series and provide details on where to stream or purchase it online in the United States.
Plot Summary: A New Era of War Begins
The story picks up some years after the events of the second film, “Underworld: Evolution” (2006). After spending over a decade in cryogenic suspension, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) awakens to a world where both vampires and lycans are being hunted by humans. The public has become aware of the existence of both supernatural species and has launched a full-scale purge to eradicate them.
Selene discovers that during her imprisonment, she gave birth to a daughter, Eve (India Eisley), a hybrid of vampire and lycan blood, making her an extremely powerful and unique being. Selene must protect Eve from both the human authorities and a new breed of genetically engineered super-lycans, created by the biotech company Antigen, which has sinister plans for the hybrid child.
As Selene navigates this new, dystopian world, she forms new alliances and faces old enemies, all while trying to survive in a deadly war that threatens to destroy both vampires and lycans.
Critical Reception: Action-Packed But Lacking Depth
“Underworld: Awakening” was met with mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. While fans of the franchise appreciated the return of Kate Beckinsale and the movie’s intense action sequences, some found the plot thin and the characters underdeveloped compared to earlier entries.
The Positives
- Kate Beckinsale’s Performance: Beckinsale’s portrayal of Selene remains the franchise’s greatest strength. As the lethal, leather-clad warrior, she brings a combination of ferocity and vulnerability to the character, which resonates with fans. Her physicality and commitment to the role are evident in the high-octane action sequences that define the film.
- Non-Stop Action: “Underworld: Awakening” is packed with thrilling fight scenes and slick special effects. From intense gun battles to close-quarters combat with lycans, the movie delivers relentless action. The fast-paced narrative keeps the audience engaged, even if the story itself takes a backseat to the spectacle.
- Visual Effects and World-Building: The film continues the franchise’s signature dark, gothic aesthetic, blending futuristic elements with classic horror tropes. The visual effects, particularly in the 3D version, are impressive, with the lycan transformations and fight scenes standing out as highlights.
- Return of the Hybrid Concept: One of the most intriguing aspects of the “Underworld” series has always been the hybridization of vampire and lycan bloodlines, and this movie builds on that with the introduction of Selene’s daughter, Eve. The hybrid concept keeps the franchise fresh, adding a new layer to the ongoing war.
The Negatives
- Thin Plot: The story of “Underworld: Awakening” feels more like a setup for future films than a standalone narrative. The plot is straightforward, lacking the intricate mythology and character development that helped establish the earlier films. While the action keeps things moving, the film doesn’t delve deeply into its characters or the consequences of the human-vampire-lycan war.
- Limited Character Development: Aside from Selene, most characters in the film feel underdeveloped. Eve, in particular, could have been explored more deeply, given her unique nature as a hybrid, but the film focuses more on action than character arcs.
- Short Runtime: At only 88 minutes, the movie feels rushed, with little time for story-building or character interactions between the explosive action sequences.
Despite its flaws, “Underworld: Awakening” appeals to fans of fast-paced, action-heavy supernatural films. It’s not the most complex entry in the series, but it’s an entertaining thrill ride for those who enjoy vampire and lycan lore.
Streaming “Underworld: Awakening” (2012): Where to Watch Online in America
“Underworld: Awakening” is widely available on several streaming platforms for rent or purchase. While it is not part of many subscription-based services, there are numerous options for those looking to watch this vampire-werewolf showdown online.
Subscription-Based Streaming Services
- Hulu (with STARZ add-on): If you’re a Hulu subscriber, you can watch “Underworld: Awakening” with the STARZ add-on. The movie is available in HD and can be streamed on various devices.
- STARZ: The movie is also available directly through STARZ’s standalone streaming service. You can sign up for a free trial or a subscription to access this and other titles in their catalog.
Rent or Purchase Online
For those who prefer to rent or purchase the movie individually, several platforms offer “Underworld: Awakening” in HD and SD formats:
- Amazon Prime Video – Available for rent at $3.99 or purchase for $12.99 in HD.
- Apple TV/iTunes – Rent the movie for $3.99 or buy it for $12.99. The platform offers HD and 4K viewing options.
- Google Play Movies – Offers the movie for rent at $3.99 or purchase at $12.99.
- Vudu – Available for rent at $3.99 or purchase at $12.99, compatible with a wide range of devices.
- YouTube Movies – You can rent or buy “Underworld: Awakening” at the same price as other platforms ($3.99 for rental, $12.99 for purchase).
Physical Media
If you prefer owning a physical copy, “Underworld: Awakening” is available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD formats through online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The Blu-ray version often comes with additional special features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
Why “Underworld: Awakening” is a Must-Watch for Fans of the Series
For fans of the “Underworld” series, “Awakening” delivers exactly what they expect: intense action, stylized visuals, and Kate Beckinsale’s iconic portrayal of Selene. The movie succeeds in expanding the franchise’s universe, introducing new elements like Selene’s daughter and the human-led war against the supernatural beings.
While the plot may not be as deep as in previous installments, the film’s focus on action and spectacle makes it an entertaining watch. The hybrid concept, along with the return of Selene, brings fresh energy to the franchise, even if the story serves more as a bridge to future films.
For newcomers, “Underworld: Awakening” might feel disjointed without knowledge of the previous films, but it’s still an enjoyable entry for those looking for supernatural action with a dark, gothic twist.
Conclusion: Fast-Paced, Action-Heavy Entertainment
“Underworld: Awakening” (2012) is a fast-paced, visually stunning entry in the “Underworld” franchise that delivers on action, if not on plot complexity. Kate Beckinsale shines once again as the fearless Selene, and the movie’s blend of sci-fi, horror, and action keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or just looking for an adrenaline-pumping supernatural action film, “Underworld: Awakening” offers a thrilling experience. With numerous options to stream, rent, or purchase the movie online, it’s easily accessible for those ready to dive back into the eternal war between vampires and lycans.
