Underworld: Blood Wars

Right now you can watch Underworld: Blood Wars in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Hulu — and it goes further with its ideas than most genre entertainment bothers to. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. 3,952 viewers have already rated it on TMDB — the kind of consensus that does not happen by accident. Kate Beckinsale's performance is the anchor the more ambitious scenes need. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Underworld: Blood Wars earns its spot. Underworld: Blood Wars uses its genre premise as cover for asking bigger questions. Vampire death dealer Selene fends off brutal attacks from both the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her. With her only allies, David and his father Thomas, she must stop the eternal war between Lycans and Vampires, even if it means she has to make the ultimate sacrifice. Kate Beckinsale and Theo James lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2016. The rules of Underworld: Blood Wars's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Underworld: Blood Wars is satisfying on multiple levels — something to watch and something to think about after. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Watch for Kate Beckinsale in particular — the performance elevates the material. Satisfying on multiple levels.