Underworld: Awakening 2012
Directed by
Björn Stein
Made by
Screen Gems
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Underworld: Awakening (2012). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
This latest installment in the Underworld franchise picks up six months after the events of Underworld: Evolution. The story centers around the vampire Selene, who becomes a victim of the brutal human-led crusade known as “The Purge,” aimed at decimating vampires and lycans after their existence is revealed. In this conflict, humans derogatorily refer to lycans as “Non-Humans” and categorize vampires as “The Infected.”
Fast forward twelve years later, and the aftermath of human-led genocides against both races is stark. The once-thriving populations of vampires and lycans have been reduced to mere shadows of their former selves, forced into life as outlaws and scavengers. Tragically, 90% of the vampire race has been wiped out. Selene emerges from her cryogenic sleep, having been held captive by the medical organization Antigen, which seeks to develop an antidote for the virus responsible for creating both vampires and lycans. After regaining her freedom, Selene is plagued by ominous visions, which she believes are connected to her lost love, the half-vampire, half-lycan Michael Corvin.
Her search for Michael leads her to an unexpected ally named David, another vampire. Their conversation is interrupted by another vision, guiding Selene to a girl known only as “Subject 2,” later revealed to be Eve, Selene and Michael’s daughter who is a hybrid. Eve has suffered injuries inflicted by the lycans, and despite her condition, David quickly brings them to his coven for refuge. However, the warm welcome is short-lived as David’s father, Thomas, delivers shocking news: Michael has been dead for twelve years, and the destruction of the vampire race rests heavily on Selene’s shoulders.
To Selene’s relief, after being administered vampire blood, Eve heals at an astonishing rate. The real danger emerges as Dr. Jacob Lane, director of Antigen, alongside his son Quint, is revealed to be a lycan as well. Their goal is not to create a cure, but rather to make lycans immune to silver and enhance their strength, with Eve’s unique genetic code as the key to their sinister plan. David, aware of the impending threat, attempts to rally the remaining vampires for defense while Thomas insists on evacuation. Unfortunately, their contradictory strategies put them on a collision course with a powerful lycan attack that leaves their coven decimated.
Amidst the chaos, Selene faces off against a formidable opponent—a massive “super lycan” who turns out to be Quint, enhanced through experimentation with Eve’s blood. Overwhelmed, Selene is knocked unconscious, and in a desperate measure, Thomas sacrifices Eve to the lycans in an attempt to secure their retreat. Following the mayhem, David is severely injured, and Selene resolves to rescue Eve. She saves David by giving him her immortal blood, a gift bestowed upon her by Alexander Corvinus in the previous installment.
With newfound determination, Selene enlists the assistance of Detective Sebastian, a human affected by the Purge who has a tragic past of his own, having lost his wife during the brutal campaign. Together, they hatch a plan to confront Antigen, permitting Selene to wreak havoc on their headquarters using explosives and silver gas, ultimately forcing Dr. Lane to relocate Eve for an operation.
In an action-packed sequence, Selene discovers Michael’s cryogenic cell and releases him before a high-octane chase unfolds. However, Dr. Lane isn’t without defenses, and a climactic battle ensues. Entrusted with Eve’s fate, Eve taps into her hybrid strength, facing off against Dr. Lane after he augments himself with lycan enhancements. Her allies, Sebastian and David, join in the struggle, leading to an explosive confrontation that claims the life of the corrupted doctor.
In the midst of this turmoil, Selene’s path leads her to confront Quint in a final showdown, where she utilizes cunning strategies to outmaneuver and ultimately eliminate him. Yet, with the dust settling, Selene finds only an empty cell where Michael was held. As the story concludes, Selene vows to locate Michael and reclaim their world, sparked by a grave realization of the war humans have declared. She is determined to bring hope back to the vampires and restore their rightful place.
Timeline
Track the key events of Underworld: Awakening (2012) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Purge Begins
The movie kicks off with humans launching a brutal crusade known as 'The Purge,' aimed at exterminating vampires and lycans. This brutal campaign emerges after the existence of these supernatural beings is revealed to the world, categorizing lycans derogatorily as 'Non-Humans' and vampires as 'The Infected.'
Six Months Later
The timeline jumps forward six months from the initial events, illustrating the dire state of vampire and lycan populations. The consequences of The Purge become evident, as both races are hunted relentlessly, resulting in a dramatic reduction of their numbers.
Twelve Years of Exile
Fast forward twelve years, and the aftermath of the genocidal campaign is stark. The once-thriving communities of vampires and lycans have been decimated, with a shocking 90% of the vampire population wiped out, leading them into a life as outlaws and scavengers.
Selene's Awakening
Selene, the protagonist, emerges from her cryogenic sleep after being captured by the organization Antigen. As she regains consciousness, she grapples with ominous visions that hint at the fate of her lost love, Michael Corvin, intertwining with her own survival.
Encounter with David
In her quest, Selene encounters David, a fellow vampire who becomes an unexpected ally. Their collaboration quickly intensifies as Selene experiences another vision, leading them to a mysterious girl known only as 'Subject 2,' who is revealed to be her daughter, Eve.
Eve's Rescue
Selene discovers that Eve has been injured by lycans and 'Subject 2' is a hybrid. David rushes Selene and Eve to his coven for refuge, where they hope to find safety and answers amidst the looming threat from the lycans.
Shocking News from Thomas
At David's coven, Selene learns from his father, Thomas, that Michael has been dead for twelve years. This revelation weighs heavily on Selene and indicates the tremendous responsibility resting on her shoulders as the remaining vampire population teeters on the brink of extinction.
The True Threat Emerges
The real danger surfaces as Dr. Jacob Lane, the director of Antigen, and his lycan son, Quint, reveal their nefarious plan. They aim not to cure vampires and lycans but to enhance their strength and immunity to silver, using Eve's DNA as the prize in their dark scheme.
The Covens Clash
As tensions rise between strategies for survival, a powerful lycan attack leads to a disastrous confrontation at David's coven. The clashing approaches from David and Thomas cause turmoil, ultimately resulting in a devastating decimation of the vampire enclave.
Selene's Battle with Quint
Amidst the chaos, Selene confronts Quint, who has been transformed into a 'super lycan' through brutal experiments with Eve's blood. This intense battle escalates, but Selene is temporarily overwhelmed, providing a glimpse of the tremendous odds she faces.
Sacrifice for Survival
As the conflict reaches a dire point, Thomas takes the shocking step of sacrificing Eve to the lycans in a desperate bid for their escape. The decision adds a layer of tragedy to the already brutal situation, forcing Selene to regroup and focus on saving her daughter.
Alliance with Sebastian
Selene partners with Detective Sebastian, a human deeply affected by The Purge who lost his wife to its violence. Together, they craft a bold plan to confront Antigen directly, marking a pivotal moment as they aim to disrupt the organization holding Eve captive.
Assault on Antigen's Headquarters
Embarking on a dangerous mission, Selene unleashes havoc on Antigen's facility using explosives and silver gas. This strategic assault forces Dr. Lane to relocate Eve for another operation, escalating the stakes as Selene attempts to reclaim her daughter.
Michael's Cryogenic Cell
In a twist of fate, Selene discovers Michael's cryogenic cell within Antigen's facility. As she releases him from his slumber, the narrative propels into a high-octane chase filled with tension and the possibility of reclaiming what was lost.
Final Showdown with Dr. Lane
In a climactic battle, Eve embraces her hybrid abilities to confront Dr. Lane, who has enhanced himself with lycan traits. Joined by Sebastian and David, they face the corrupted doctor in an explosive confrontation, marking a turning point in their fight for survival.
A Vow for the Future
After the chaos, Selene discovers only an empty cell where Michael was held, reigniting her determination. She makes a resolve to locate him and restore hope to the vampire race, setting the stage for a continued struggle against human oppression.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Underworld: Awakening (2012) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Selene
Selene is a fierce and determined vampire who awakens from cryogenic sleep to find her world in ruins. She exhibits strong maternal instincts, especially towards her daughter Eve, and demonstrates immense strength in battle. Despite her tragic past, she's resilient and willing to fight against the odds to protect those she loves.
Eve
As the hybrid daughter of Selene and Michael, Eve possesses unique abilities that make her a target for those seeking power. She embodies hope for the vampire race, demonstrating resilience despite her injuries. Her journey towards self-discovery and empowerment plays a crucial role in the narrative.
David
David is another vampire who becomes an ally to Selene amidst the chaos. He is characterized by his loyalty and willingness to confront danger to protect his coven. David's strategic mind adds an element of hope as he aids Selene in her mission.
Dr. Jacob Lane
Dr. Jacob Lane is the sinister director of Antigen and a primary antagonist who seeks to exploit Eve's genetics for his own ends. His ruthless ambition poses a significant threat to both the vampire and lycan races, showcasing the darker side of humanity in their pursuit of power.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Underworld: Awakening (2012), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
12 years after Underworld: Evolution
The movie is set twelve years after the events of its predecessor, during a dystopian era marked by human-led genocides against vampires and lycans. This period sees humanity attempting to eradicate what they perceive as threats, leading to the near-extinction of the vampire race and a significant reduction in lycan numbers. The aftermath is a world in turmoil, with former societies reduced to hiding and fighting for survival.
Location
Antigen Headquarters, Vampire Coven
The Antigen Headquarters serves as a dark laboratory where the human organization conducts inhumane experiments on vampires and lycans. The Vampire Coven, in contrast, is a secretive sanctuary for the remnants of vampire society, steeped in Gothic architecture and hidden from the prying eyes of the Purge. Both locations highlight the tension between the dwindling vampire race and the oppressive human regime.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Underworld: Awakening (2012). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Survival
Survival is a central theme in 'Underworld: Awakening,' as characters navigate a world where their very existence is threatened. Selene's struggle to protect her hybrid daughter, Eve, illustrates a deep maternal instinct intertwined with the dire need to reclaim their species. The constant battle against the oppressive forces of humanity drives the narrative forward, reflecting the desperation of a race on the brink of extinction.
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Betrayal
Betrayal weaves through the storyline, manifesting in the actions of characters like Thomas and Dr. Jacob Lane. The clash of loyalties and conflicting strategies among the vampires accentuates the struggle for power and survival when faced with adversaries. This toxic environment of mistrust creates additional barriers for Selene and her allies as they strive to save Eve and confront their enemies.
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Love and Loss
The theme of love and loss is poignantly represented through Selene's yearning for Michael and her fierce protective instinct towards Eve. The emotional toll of having lost her loved ones drives her determination to fight against the odds. This longing for connection amidst chaos highlights the personal stakes involved in the larger battle for survival within a decaying world.
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