Underworld: Evolution
As the war between the vampires and the Lycans rages on, Selene, a former member of the Death Dealers (an elite vampire special forces unit that hunts werewolves), and Michael, the werewolf hybrid, work together in an effort to unlock the secrets of their respective bloodlines.
Despite a respectable budget of $50.0M, Underworld: Evolution became a solid performer, earning $111.5M worldwide—a 123% return.
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: Evolution (2006) showcases strategically placed dramatic framework, characteristic of Len Wiseman's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 46 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.5, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Historical prologue shows the original immortals: Marcus bitten by bat, William by wolf, establishing the vampire-lycan bloodline war that defines Selene's world of eternal conflict.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 13 minutes when Marcus attacks and drinks Singe's blood from the lab, gaining memories of William's prison location. The first vampire elder becomes the primary threat hunting Selene and Michael.. 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 54 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Marcus attacks Tanis's compound, killing him and obtaining the location of William's prison. False defeat: Marcus now has what he needs and destroys Selene's source of information. The stakes escalate dramatically., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 80 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Marcus mortally wounds Alexander Corvinus aboard the ship. The immortal father figure dies, but not before giving Selene his blood, transferring the responsibility of stopping his sons to her. Clear "whiff of death."., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 84 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Final battle at William's prison. Marcus frees William, creating chaos. Selene, empowered by Alexander's blood and able to walk in daylight, fights Marcus while Michael battles William. Both brothers are killed, ending the ancient bloodline., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Underworld: Evolution's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Underworld: Evolution 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: Evolution 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: Evolution takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. 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.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Historical prologue shows the original immortals: Marcus bitten by bat, William by wolf, establishing the vampire-lycan bloodline war that defines Selene's world of eternal conflict.
Theme
Andreas Tanis warns Selene: "The truth you seek lies in your own blood" - establishing the film's theme that identity and destiny are found by confronting painful history.
Worldbuilding
Selene and Michael flee from both vampire and lycan forces. Establishes their fugitive status, Michael's hybrid transformation, Marcus awakening as the first vampire, and Kraven's death setting up the power vacuum.
Disruption
Marcus attacks and drinks Singe's blood from the lab, gaining memories of William's prison location. The first vampire elder becomes the primary threat hunting Selene and Michael.
Resistance
Selene debates seeking Tanis, the exiled historian who may have answers. She and Michael navigate their new reality as outcasts while Marcus systematically eliminates witnesses and pursues them.
Act II
ConfrontationMirror World
Tanis represents the thematic mirror - an immortal who chose exile and truth over comfortable lies. His relationship with Selene will force her to confront the full truth about Viktor murdering her family.
Premise
The promise of the premise: Selene uncovers the true history of the vampire-lycan war. Tanis reveals Viktor killed her family, Marcus wants to free his twin William, and Alexander Corvinus appears as the immortal progenitor.
Midpoint
Marcus attacks Tanis's compound, killing him and obtaining the location of William's prison. False defeat: Marcus now has what he needs and destroys Selene's source of information. The stakes escalate dramatically.
Opposition
Selene and Michael ally with Alexander Corvinus to stop Marcus from freeing William. The bad guys close in: Marcus is unstoppable, racing toward William's prison while Alexander reveals the prison key is in Selene's memories.
Collapse
Marcus mortally wounds Alexander Corvinus aboard the ship. The immortal father figure dies, but not before giving Selene his blood, transferring the responsibility of stopping his sons to her. Clear "whiff of death."
Crisis
Selene processes Alexander's death and the burden now placed upon her. She absorbs his hybrid blood, understanding she must become powerful enough to stop both Marcus and William to honor Alexander's sacrifice.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Final battle at William's prison. Marcus frees William, creating chaos. Selene, empowered by Alexander's blood and able to walk in daylight, fights Marcus while Michael battles William. Both brothers are killed, ending the ancient bloodline.