Underworld: Blood Wars (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place across various vampire covens, primarily Selene's home Coven and the Nordic Coven. The Nordic stronghold of Var Dohr serves as a sanctuary for Selene and becomes a key location during the climactic battles. These settings are central to the ongoing war between vampires and the Lycan threat.

• vampire covens
• nordic coven
• var dohr
• setting
• locations

The conflict represents an age-old feud between vampires and Lycans (werewolves). It's a genocidal war where both species struggle for dominance. The war has created deep-seated rivalries and shapes the motivations of key characters, forcing them to navigate loyalty, survival, and the weight of familial legacies.

• vampires
• lycans
• werewolves
• war
• conflict
• species rivalry

Selene is a formidable Death Dealer, renowned for her combat skills and resilience. She's the central figure of the Underworld series, having endured significant pain and betrayal throughout her journey. Her primary motivation is protecting her loved ones, and she evolves into a powerful leader determined to end the centuries-long war between her species and the Lycans.

• selene
• death dealer
• vampire leader
• kate beckinsale

David is a key vampire figure who initially appears underestimated but ultimately claims his heritage. He displays bravery and loyalty throughout the conflict, standing against treachery within the Coven. His character arc embodies themes of honor and the fight for justice as he joins Selene in battling the Lycan threat.

• david
• vampire
• theo James
• ally

Marius is a ruthless Lycan leader who orchestrates the siege against vampire covens. His ambition centers on creating a powerful army by acquiring Selene's lineage. He embodies the brutal side of the Lycan threat, striving for dominance at any cost and serving as the primary antagonist driving the conflict.

• marius
• lycan
• antagonist
• tobias menzies

The film explores three primary themes: War (the fierce battle for survival between vampires and Lycans), Loss (the grief from death and betrayal that shapes characters' motivations), and Bonds (unbreakable connections between characters tested by adversity, particularly Selene's loyalty to her allies). These themes underscore the desperation and determination required to protect one's kin.

• themes
• war
• loss
• bonds
• survival
• loyalty

Var Dohr is the Nordic vampire stronghold and sanctuary where Selene finds refuge. This ancient castle serves as the base of the Nordic Coven and becomes pivotal during the climactic battles against the Lycan forces. It's steeped in vampire lore and holds strategic importance in the ongoing war.

• var dohr
• nordic
• caste
• vampire stronghold
• nordic coven

Semira is a cunning and ambitious member of the Eastern Coven council. Her desire for power leads her to betray allies, including Selene. She represents the darker aspects of ambition and deceit that exist within vampire politics amid the broader war against the Lycans.

• semira
• eastern coven
• council
• ambition
• betrayal
• lara pulver

The story occurs in a contemporary fantasy world with supernatural elements. While the conflict between vampires and Lycans is centuries old, the events unfold in modern times, blending contemporary settings with timeless mythological creatures.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• fantasy world

The film maintains a consistently dark tone rooted in its centuries-old conflict with high casualties and treacherous politics. The pacing is fast, driven by a rapid-fire series of battles, sieges, and betrayals with minimal downtime. The emotional weight is heavy, marked by annihilation of factions and personal tragedies, though the ending provides a sense of hard-won victory.

• tone
• dark
• intense
• fast pacing
• emotional weight