Underworld
Vampires and werewolves have waged a nocturnal war against each other for centuries. But all bets are off when a female vampire warrior named Selene, who's famous for her strength and werewolf-hunting prowess, becomes smitten with a peace-loving male werewolf, Michael, who wants to end the war.
Despite a respectable budget of $22.0M, Underworld became a commercial success, earning $95.7M worldwide—a 335% return.
1 win & 10 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Underworld (2003) exhibits deliberately positioned story structure, characteristic of Len Wiseman's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 11-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 2 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.6, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Selene, a Death Dealer vampire, prowls the gothic cityscape on the hunt for Lycans. She is a cold, disciplined warrior defined entirely by her centuries-long war against werewolves.. Notably, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when Selene discovers the Lycans are systematically tracking a human (Michael Corvin) for unknown reasons, defying centuries of established patterns. This anomaly threatens everything she believes about the war.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
At 62 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Selene discovers the truth: Viktor murdered her family, not the Lycans. Her entire existence has been built on Viktor's lie. Everything she believed about her purpose and identity shatters—a false defeat that raises the stakes., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 91 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Michael is shot with silver nitrate bullets and appears to die in Selene's arms. The only person who saw her as more than a weapon is gone—a whiff of death that represents the loss of her chance for a life beyond war., shows the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 98 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale: Michael transforms into the first hybrid. Selene confronts and kills Viktor in combat, ending his tyranny. Kraven is exposed and flees. Marcus begins to awaken. Selene and Michael prepare to face the consequences of their revolution together., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Underworld's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 11 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Underworld against these established plot points, we can identify how Len Wiseman utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Underworld within the fantasy genre.
Len Wiseman's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Len Wiseman films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.5, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Underworld represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Len Wiseman filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional fantasy films include Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Conan the Barbarian and Batman Forever. For more Len Wiseman analyses, see Underworld: Evolution.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Selene, a Death Dealer vampire, prowls the gothic cityscape on the hunt for Lycans. She is a cold, disciplined warrior defined entirely by her centuries-long war against werewolves.
Theme
Kraven speaks about the past and Viktor's legacy, hinting at the central theme: "The past is a place of learning, not a place of living." The film explores how buried truths and questioning ancient authority define one's identity.
Worldbuilding
Introduction to the vampire-Lycan war, the Death Dealers, and the vampire coven's hierarchy. We meet Kraven, who leads in Viktor's absence, and learn about the ancient feud. Selene notices Lycans tracking a human, Michael Corvin.
Disruption
Selene discovers the Lycans are systematically tracking a human (Michael Corvin) for unknown reasons, defying centuries of established patterns. This anomaly threatens everything she believes about the war.
Resistance
Selene debates whether to wake Viktor against Kraven's orders. She investigates Michael and discovers he's been bitten by Lucian. She attempts to convince the coven of the danger, but Kraven dismisses her concerns. Selene must decide whether to trust her instincts.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Selene and Michael navigate the dangerous vampire-Lycan underworld together. Viktor awakens. Selene investigates Lucian's survival and discovers evidence that contradicts official history. The promise of forbidden romance and conspiracy unfolds.
Midpoint
Selene discovers the truth: Viktor murdered her family, not the Lycans. Her entire existence has been built on Viktor's lie. Everything she believed about her purpose and identity shatters—a false defeat that raises the stakes.
Opposition
Viktor and Kraven hunt Selene and Michael. The lovers are pursued on all sides. Selene must protect Michael while grappling with her shattered worldview. The vampire elders and Lycans close in, with Michael's transformation becoming inevitable.
Collapse
Michael is shot with silver nitrate bullets and appears to die in Selene's arms. The only person who saw her as more than a weapon is gone—a whiff of death that represents the loss of her chance for a life beyond war.
Crisis
Selene faces her darkest moment, processing Michael's apparent death. She must decide whether to accept her role as Viktor's weapon or forge a new identity. She realizes what she must do to save Michael and end the cycle of lies.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale: Michael transforms into the first hybrid. Selene confronts and kills Viktor in combat, ending his tyranny. Kraven is exposed and flees. Marcus begins to awaken. Selene and Michael prepare to face the consequences of their revolution together.