PROSPECTUSES. May 1, 2017 GO PAPERLESS! Variable Whole Life Policy with Additional Protection THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

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1 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY May 1, 2017 GO PAPERLESS! See back cover for details. VARIABLE COMPLIFE Variable Whole Life Policy with Additional Protection PROSPECTUSES Variable CompLife Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Fidelity VIP Mid Cap Portfolio Service Class 2 Fidelity VIP Contrafund Portfolio Service Class 2 Neuberger Berman AMT Socially Responsive Portfolio Russell Investment Funds Russell Investment Funds LifePoints Variable Target Portfolio Series Credit Suisse Trust Commodity Return Strategy Portfolio (0386)

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3 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROSPECTUSES (MAY 1, 2017) NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT VARIABLE LIFE VARIABLE COMPLIFE VARIABLE JOINT LIFE VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT II CUSTOM VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE EXECUTIVE VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE SURVIVORSHIP VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE This Supplement amends certain information contained in the Prospectuses referenced above. Effective as of May 1, 2018 under The Investment Options, the disclosure regarding the Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Socially Responsible Portfolio will read to reflect its new name: The Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Sustainable Equity Portfolio. Please read this Supplement carefully and keep it with your Prospectus for future reference. This Supplement is dated April 6, Please note that some systems and forms may temporarily employ the original name beyond May 1, 2018.

4 Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Socially Responsive Portfolio Class I and Class S, Supplement to the Summary Prospectuses and Prospectuses, each dated May 1, 2017, and the Statement of Additional Information dated May 1, 2017, each as amended and supplemented T /18 Neuberger Berman Equity Funds Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund Class A, Class C, Institutional Class, Investor Class, Trust Class, Class R3 and Class R6, Supplement to the Summary Prospectuses and Prospectuses, each dated December 7, 2017, and the Statement of Additional Information dated December 7, 2017, each as amended and supplemented This supplement describes important changes affecting Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund and Socially Responsive Portfolio (each a Fund ), effective May 1, If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC at Effective May 1, 2018, the name of each of Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund and Socially Responsive Portfolio will change to Neuberger Berman Sustainable Equity Fund and Sustainable Equity Portfolio, respectively. Also effective May 1, 2018, the following information supplements and supersedes any contrary information in each Fund s Summary Prospectuses, Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information. (1) For each Fund s Summary Prospectuses, Prospectuses, and Statement of Additional Information, all references to Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund and Socially Responsive Portfolio are deleted and replaced with Neuberger Berman Sustainable Equity Fund and Sustainable Equity Portfolio, respectively. (2) The Principal Investment Strategies section in each Fund s Summary Prospectuses and Prospectuses is deleted and replaced with the following: To pursue its goal, the Fund seeks to invest primarily in common stocks of mid- to largecapitalization companies that meet the Fund's quality oriented financial and ESG criteria. The Fund seeks to reduce risk by investing across many different industries. The Portfolio Managers employ a research driven and valuation sensitive approach to stock selection, with a focus on long term sustainability. This sustainable investment approach seeks to identify high quality, well-positioned companies with leadership that is focused on ESG as defined by best in class operating practices. As part of their focus on quality, the Portfolio Managers look for solid balance sheets, strong management teams with a track record of success, good cash flow, the prospect for above-average earnings growth and the sustainability of those earnings, as well as of the company s business model, over the long term. They seek to purchase the stock of businesses that they believe to be well positioned and undervalued by the market. Among companies that

5 meet these criteria, the Portfolio Managers look for those that show leadership in environmental, social and governance considerations, including progressive workplace practices and community relations. In addition, the Portfolio Managers typically look at a company s record in public health and the nature of its products. The Portfolio Managers judge firms on their corporate citizenship overall, considering their accomplishments as well as their goals. While these judgments are inevitably subjective, the Fund endeavors to avoid companies that derive revenue from gambling or the production of alcohol, tobacco, weapons, or nuclear power. The Fund also does not invest in any company that derives its total revenue primarily from non-consumer sales to the military. Please see the Statement of Additional Information for a detailed description of the Fund s ESG criteria. Although the Fund invests primarily in domestic stocks, it may also invest in stocks of foreign companies. The Portfolio Managers follow a disciplined selling strategy and may sell a stock when it reaches a target price, if a company s business fails to perform as expected, or when other opportunities appear more attractive. The Fund may change its goal without shareholder approval, although it does not currently intend to do so. As a sustainable fund, the Fund is required by the federal securities laws to have a policy, which it cannot change without providing investors at least 60 days' written notice, of investing at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities selected in accordance with its ESG criteria. The 80% test is applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in Fund assets, market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding. In practice, the Portfolio Managers intend to hold only securities selected in accordance with the Fund's ESG criteria. Valuation Sensitive Investing. In addition to employing traditional value criteria that is, looking for value among companies whose stock prices are below their historical average, based on earnings, cash flow, or other financial measures the Portfolio Managers may buy a company s shares if they look more fully priced based on Wall Street consensus estimates of earnings, but still inexpensive relative to the Portfolio Managers estimates. The Portfolio Managers look for these companies to rise in price as they outperform Wall Street s expectations, because they believe some aspects of the business have not been fully appreciated or appropriately priced by other investors. (3) For each Fund s Statement of Additional Information, all references to social policy as they pertain to the Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund or Socially Responsive Portfolio, as applicable, are deleted and replaced with ESG criteria. (4) For each Fund s Statement of Additional Information, the third sentence of the first paragraph of the Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund - Description of Social Policy section and the Socially Responsive Portfolio - Description of Social Policy section for Neuberger Berman Socially Responsive Fund and Socially Responsive Portfolio, respectively, are deleted and replaced with the following:

6 The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in securities of companies that meet its value-oriented financial and environmental, social and governance criteria (i.e., its ESG criteria). The date of this supplement is March 29, Please retain this supplement for future reference. Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY Shareholder Services Institutional Services

7 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROSPECTUSES (MAY 1, 2017) NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT VARIABLE LIFE VARIABLE COMPLIFE VARIABLE JOINT LIFE VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT II CUSTOM VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE EXECUTIVE VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE SURVIVORSHIP VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE This Supplement amends certain information contained in the Prospectuses referenced above. Effective as of March 1, 2018, in the section titled The Funds Russell Investment Funds, the following row is amended to read as follows: Portfolio Strategic Bond Fund Investment Objective Provide total return Please read this Supplement carefully and keep it with your Prospectus for future reference. This Supplement is dated February 26, 2018.

8 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Large Cap Blend Portfolio Supplement Dated February 7, 2018 to the Summary Prospectus for the Large Cap Blend Portfolio Dated May 1, 2017 The following information supplements the Summary Prospectus for the Large Cap Blend Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. dated May 1, 2017 (the Summary Prospectus ), a copy of which you have already received. You should read this Supplement together with the Summary Prospectus. Portfolio Manager Update Effective January 31, 2018, Benjamin D. Karek joined Patrick J. English, John S. Brandser, Jonathan T. Bloom, Andy P. Ramer, Matthew J. Goetzinger, Robert M. Helf, Daniel G. Sievers, Matthew T. Sullivan and Jordan S. Teschendorf as co-portfolio managers of the Large Cap Blend Portfolio (the Portfolio ). Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers information set forth in the Summary Section for the Portfolio in the Prospectus under PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT is hereby deleted and replaced with the following: Portfolio Managers: FMI s investment decisions are made by a Portfolio Management Committee (PMC). The investment process employed by the PMC is team based, and the PMC as a whole, not any individual member, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Portfolio. The PMC has managed the Portfolio since PMC members include: Patrick J. English, CFA, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, who has been with FMI since John S. Brandser, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Compliance Officer, who has been with FMI since Jonathan T. Bloom, CFA, Director of Research, who has been with FMI since Andy P. Ramer, CFA, Research Analyst, who has been with FMI since Matthew J. Goetzinger, CFA, Research Analyst, who has been with FMI since Robert M. Helf, CFA, Research Analyst, who has been with FMI since Daniel G. Sievers, CFA, Research Analyst, who has been with FMI since Matthew T. Sullivan, CFA, Research Analyst, who has been with FMI since Jordan S. Teschendorf, CFA, Research Analyst, who has been with FMI since Benjamin D. Karek, Research Analyst, who has been with FMI since Please retain this Supplement for future reference. Page 1 of 1

9 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. International Growth Portfolio Supplement Dated January 11, 2018 to the Summary Prospectus for the International Growth Portfolio Dated May 1, 2017 The following information supplements the Summary Prospectus for the International Growth Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. dated May 1, 2017 (the Summary Prospectus ), a copy of which you have already received. You should read this Supplement together with the Summary Prospectus. Portfolio Manager Update Effective December 5, 2017, Jed Weiss returned from his leave of absence and has resumed sole responsibility as portfolio manager of the International Growth Portfolio (the Portfolio ). Accordingly, the Portfolio Manager information set forth in the Summary Section for the Portfolio in the Prospectus under PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT is hereby deleted and replaced with the following: Portfolio Manager: Jed Weiss, Portfolio Manager, began managing the Portfolio in In addition, effective December 5, 2017, all information relating to Vincent Montemaggiore is deleted from the Prospectus. Please retain this Supplement for future reference. Page 1 of 1

10 Russell Investment Funds RUSSELL INVESTMENT FUNDS Supplement dated December 21, 2017 to U.S. SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2017, As supplemented December 21, 2017 I. SUMMARY PROSPECTUS LEGEND: The legend appearing at the top of the first page of the Summary Prospectus is hereby replaced with the following: Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report and other information about the Fund online at You can also get this information at no cost by calling or by sending an to: service@russellinvestments.com. The Fund s Prospectus and SAI, both dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through December 21, 2017, and the Fund s most recent shareholder report, dated June 30, 2017, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus. II. MANAGEMENT: The following replaces the list of money managers in the sub-section entitled Management in the Summary Prospectus: Ancora Advisors, LLC Copeland Capital Management, LLC DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. Falcon Point Capital, LLC Penn Capital Management Company, Inc. Snow Capital Management L.P. Timpani Capital Management LLC

11 Russell Investment Funds RUSSELL INVESTMENT FUNDS Supplement dated December 21, 2017 to INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPED MARKETS FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2017, As supplemented September 14, 2017 and December 21, 2017 I. SUMMARY PROSPECTUS LEGEND: The legend appearing at the top of the first page of the Summary Prospectus is hereby replaced with the following: Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report and other information about the Fund online at You can also get this information at no cost by calling or by sending an to: service@russellinvestments.com. The Fund s Prospectus and SAI, both dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through December 21, 2017, and the Fund s most recent shareholder report, dated June 30, 2017, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus. II. PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES OF THE FUND: The following replaces the second paragraph sub-section entitled Principal Investment Strategies of the Fund in the Summary Prospectus: Russell Investment Management, LLC ( RIM ) provides or oversees the provision of all investment advisory and portfolio management services for the Fund, including developing the investment program for the Fund and managing the Fund's overall exposures. RIM employs a multi-style (growth, value, marketoriented and defensive) and multi-manager approach for the Fund whereby RIM selects the investment strategies for the Fund and utilizes multiple money managers to pursue those strategies. The Fund employs discretionary and non-discretionary money managers. The Fund s discretionary money managers select the individual portfolio instruments for the assets assigned to them. The Fund s non-discretionary money managers provide a model portfolio to RIM representing their investment recommendations, based upon which RIM purchases and sells securities for the Fund. RIM manages Fund assets not allocated to discretionary money managers, which include assets managed by RIM to effect the Fund's investment strategies and/or to actively manage the Fund's overall exposures to seek to achieve the desired risk/return profile for the Fund. RIM may utilize quantitative or qualitative analysis or quantitative models designed to assess Fund characteristics and identify a portfolio which provides the desired exposures or may use strategies based on indexes that represent the desired exposures, including index replication and optimized index sampling (strategies that seek to purchase the securities in an index or a sampling of securities using optimization and risk models, respectively). RIM also manages the portion of Fund assets for which the Fund's non-discretionary money managers provide model portfolios and the Fund's cash balances. The Fund usually, but not always, pursues a strategy to be fully invested by exposing all or a portion of its cash to the performance of appropriate markets by purchasing equity securities and/or derivatives, which typically include index futures contracts and forward currency contracts. The Fund may use derivatives, including stock options, country index futures and swaps or currency forwards, to (1) manage country and currency exposure as a substitute for holding securities directly or (2) facilitate the implementation of its investment strategy. The Fund may use derivatives to take both long and short positions. III. PRINCIPAL RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE FUND: The following risk factor is added to the subsection entitled Principal Risks of Investing in the Fund in the Summary Prospectus: Non-Discretionary Implementation Risk. With respect to the portion of the Fund that is managed pursuant to model portfolios provided by non-discretionary money managers, it is expected that trades will be effected on a periodic basis and therefore less frequently than would typically be the case if discretionary money managers were employed. Given that values of investments change with market conditions, this could cause the Fund's return to be lower than if the Fund employed discretionary money managers with respect to that portion of its portfolio.

12 IV. MANAGEMENT: The following replaces the list of money managers in the sub-section entitled Management in the Summary Prospectus: GQG Partners LLC Janus Capital Management LLC and Perkins Investment Management LLC Numeric Investors LLC Pzena Investment Management, LLC Wellington Management Company LLP

13 Russell Investment Funds RUSSELL INVESTMENT FUNDS Supplement dated December 21, 2017 to STRATEGIC BOND FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2017, As supplemented December 21, 2017 I. SUMMARY PROSPECTUS LEGEND: The legend appearing at the top of the first page of the Summary Prospectus is hereby replaced with the following: Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report and other information about the Fund online at You can also get this information at no cost by calling or by sending an to: service@russellinvestments.com. The Fund s Prospectus and SAI, both dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through December 21, 2017, and the Fund s most recent shareholder report, dated June 30, 2017, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus. II. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE: The following replaces the Investment Objective in the sub-section entitled Investment Objective in the Summary Prospectus: Through February 28, 2018, the Fund seeks to provide current income, and as a secondary objective, capital appreciation. Effective March 1, 2018, the Fund seeks to provide total return.

14 Russell Investment Funds RUSSELL INVESTMENT FUNDS Supplement dated December 21, 2017 to MODERATE STRATEGY FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2017, As supplemented December 21, 2017 I. SUMMARY PROSPECTUS LEGEND: The legend appearing at the top of the first page of the Summary Prospectus is hereby replaced with the following: Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report and other information about the Fund online at You can also get this information at no cost by calling or by sending an to: service@russellinvestments.com. The Fund s Prospectus, dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through December 21, 2017, SAI dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through September 14, 2017 and the Fund s most recent shareholder report, dated June 30, 2017, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus.

15 Russell Investment Funds RUSSELL INVESTMENT FUNDS Supplement dated December 21, 2017 to BALANCED STRATEGY FUND GROWTH STRATEGY FUND EQUITY GROWTH STRATEGY FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2017, As supplemented September 14, 2017 and December 21, 2017 I. SUMMARY PROSPECTUS LEGEND: The legend appearing at the top of the first page of the Summary Prospectus is hereby replaced with the following: Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report and other information about the Fund online at You can also get this information at no cost by calling or by sending an to: service@russellinvestments.com. The Fund s Prospectus, dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through December 21, 2017, SAI dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through September 14, 2017 and the Fund s most recent shareholder report, dated June 30, 2017, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus.

16 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Select Bond Portfolio Supplement Dated December 15, 2017 to the Summary Prospectus for the Select Bond Portfolio Dated May 1, 2016 The following information supplements the Summary Prospectus for the Select Bond Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. dated May 1, 2017 (the Summary Prospectus ), a copy of which you have already received. You should read this Supplement together with the Summary Prospectus. Portfolio Managers Update Effective October 16, 2017, Maulik Bhansali and Jarad Vasquez joined Troy Ludgood and Thomas O'Connor as co-portfolio managers of the Select Bond Portfolio (the Portfolio ). Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers information set forth in the PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT section is hereby deleted and replaced with the following: Portfolio Managers: Troy Ludgood, Senior Portfolio Manager at WellsCap, has been with WellsCap since 2004 and has co-managed the Portfolio since Thomas O Connor, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager at WellsCap, has been with WellsCap since 2000 and has co-managed the Portfolio since Maulik Bhansali, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager at WellsCap, has been with WellsCap since 2001 and has co-managed the Portfolio since October Jarad Vasquez, Senior Portfolio Manager at WellsCap, has been with WellsCap since 2007 and has co-managed the Portfolio since October In addition, Mr. Ludgood plans to transition to a new role effective April 30, 2018 and will no longer serve as a coportfolio manager of the Portfolio after such date. Accordingly, effective April 30, 2018, all information relating to Mr. Ludgood is deleted from the Prospectus. Please retain this Supplement for future reference. Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Select Bond Portfolio Supplement Dated December 18, 2017 to the Summary Prospectus for the Select Bond Portfolio Dated May 1, 2017 The following information supplements the Summary Prospectus for the Select Bond Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented December 15, 2017 (the Summary Prospectus ), a copy of which you have already received. You should read this Supplement together with the Summary Prospectus. Revised Reference to Summary Prospectus Date The Summary Prospectus Supplement dated December 15, 2017 ("Supplement") contained a typographical error which incorrectly identified the date of the Summary Prospectus being supplemented as May 1, This date is hereby corrected so that the title information for the Supplement provides as follows: "Supplement Dated December 15, 2017 to the Summary Prospectus for the Select Bond Portfolio Dated May 1, 2017." Please retain this Supplement for future reference.

17 Russell Investment Funds RUSSELL INVESTMENT FUNDS Supplement dated September 14, 2017 to INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPED MARKETS FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2017, As supplemented September 14, 2017 I. SUMMARY PROSPECTUS LEGEND: The legend appearing at the top of the first page of the Summary Prospectus is hereby replaced with the following: Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report and other information about the Fund online at You can also get this information at no cost by calling or by sending an to: service@russellinvestments.com. The Fund s Prospectus and SAI, both dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through September 14, 2017, and the Fund s most recent shareholder report, dated June 30, 2017, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus. II. PERFORMANCE: The following is added at the end of the second paragraph in the sub-section entitled Performance in the Summary Prospectus: Effective January 1, 2018, RIM will change the Fund s primary benchmark from the Russell Developed ex- US Large Cap Index (net of tax on dividends from foreign holdings) to the MSCI World ex USA Index (net of tax on dividends from foreign holdings). RIM believes that the MSCI World ex USA Index (net of tax on dividends from foreign holdings) more accurately provides a means to compare the Fund's average annual total returns to a benchmark that currently best represents the investable global and international equity markets.

18 Russell Investment Funds RUSSELL INVESTMENT FUNDS Supplement dated September 14, 2017 to BALANCED STRATEGY FUND GROWTH STRATEGY FUND EQUITY GROWTH STRATEGY FUND SUMMARY PROSPECTUS DATED May 1, 2017, As supplemented September 14, 2017 I. SUMMARY PROSPECTUS LEGEND: The legend appearing at the top of the first page of the Summary Prospectus is hereby replaced with the following: Before you invest, you may want to review the Fund s Prospectus, which contains more information about the Fund and its risks. You can find the Fund s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report and other information about the Fund online at You can also get this information at no cost by calling or by sending an to: service@russellinvestments.com. The Fund s Prospectus and SAI, both dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented through September 14, 2017, and the Fund s most recent shareholder report, dated June 30, 2017, are all incorporated by reference into this Summary Prospectus. II. PERFORMANCE: The following is added at the end of the second paragraph in the sub-section entitled Performance in the Summary Prospectus: Effective January 1, 2018, RIM will change the Fund s secondary benchmark from the Russell Developed ex-us Large Cap Index (net of tax on dividends from foreign holdings) to the MSCI World ex USA Index (net of tax on dividends from foreign holdings). RIM believes that the MSCI World ex USA Index (net of tax on dividends from foreign holdings) more accurately provides a means to compare the Fund s average annual total returns to a benchmark that currently best represents the investable global and international equity markets.

19 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio Supplement Dated September 27, 2017 to the Summary Prospectus for the Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio Dated May 1, 2017 The following information supplements the Summary Prospectus for the Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. ( Fund ) dated May 1, 2017 (the Summary Prospectus ), a copy of which you have already received. You should read this Supplement together with the Summary Prospectus. Sub-Adviser Change On or about October 27, 2017, Wellington Management Company LLP ( Wellington Management ) will replace Fayez Sarofim & Co. as the sub-adviser for the Fund s Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio (the Portfolio ). Wellington Management will provide investment sub-advisory services for the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement approved by the Fund s Board of Directors on August 15, In approving the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Fund relied on an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Fund and its investment adviser to hire or terminate a subadviser at any time without shareholder approval so long as, among other conditions, shareholders are provided notice of the change. As a result of this change, the Summary Prospectus shall be amended effective October 27, 2017 as noted below. The PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES section is amended to read as follows: Normally, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in equity securities of large capitalization companies. For this purpose, large capitalization equity investments are those whose market capitalizations are above $5 billion at the time of purchase. In managing the Portfolio, the adviser allocates the Portfolio s assets across a variety of industries, selecting companies in each industry based on the research of a team of global industry analysts. The Portfolio typically seeks to maintain representation in each major industry represented by broad-based, large cap U.S. equity indices. In analyzing a prospective investment for the Portfolio, the adviser utilizes a bottom-up approach, which is the use of fundamental analysis to identify specific securities for purchase or sale. Fundamental analysis of a company involves the assessment of a variety of factors, including the company s business environment, management quality, balance sheet, income statement, anticipated earnings, revenues and dividends, and other related measures or indicators of valuation and growth potential. The Portfolio s sector exposures generally conform with the sector weights present in the Portfolio s benchmark index and as a result, in combination with the Portfolio s reliance on fundamental company analysis, and based upon market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may at times have a relatively high percentage of its assets invested in a particular sector of the market. Page 1 of 2

20 The Portfolio invests primarily in U.S. common stocks. Up to 20% of the Portfolio s net assets may be invested in foreign based companies listed on foreign exchanges, either directly or through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The Portfolio may sell a security for a variety of reasons, including a significant adverse change in the company s business fundamentals, if the company has become significantly overvalued in terms of earnings, assets or growth prospects, or more attractive alternatives exist. The PERFORMANCE section is amended by inserting the following as the third and fourth sentences of the first paragraph: Prior to October 27, 2017, the sub-adviser to the Portfolio was different. Performance shown may have been different if the current strategy, and the current sub-adviser, had been in place during the periods shown. The PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT section is amended to read as follows: Investment Adviser: Mason Street Advisors, LLC (MSA) Sub-Adviser: Wellington Management Company LLP (Wellington Management) Portfolio Managers: Mark D. Mandel, CFA and Director of Global Industry Research, joined Wellington Management in 1995 and has co-managed the Portfolio since October Jonathan G. White, CFA and Director of Research Portfolios, joined Wellington Management in 1999 and has co-managed the Portfolio since October The Portfolio may experience increased portfolio turnover over the short term in connection with the transition to a new sub-adviser. Increased portfolio turnover can result in higher brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which can adversely affect performance. Please retain this Supplement for future reference. Page 2 of 2

21 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio Supplement Dated September 27, 2017 to the Summary Prospectus for the Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio Dated May 1, 2017 The following information supplements the Summary Prospectus for the Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio of Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. ( Fund ) dated May 1, 2017 (the Summary Prospectus ), a copy of which you have already received. You should read this Supplement together with the Summary Prospectus. Sub-Adviser Change On or about October 27, 2017, Wellington Management Company LLP ( Wellington Management ) will replace William Blair Investment Management, LLC as the sub-adviser for the Fund s Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio (the Portfolio ). Wellington Management will provide investment sub-advisory services for the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement approved by the Fund s Board of Directors on August 15, In approving the Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Fund relied on an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Fund and its investment adviser to hire or terminate a sub-adviser at any time without shareholder approval so long as, among other conditions, shareholders are provided notice of the change. As a result of this change, the Summary Prospectus shall be amended effective October 27, 2017 as noted below. The PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES section is amended to read as follows: Normally, the Portfolio invests at least 80% of net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in stocks of mid-sized companies. The Portfolio considers a company to be a midcapitalization company if it has a market capitalization within the collective range of the Russell MidCap Index and the S&P MidCap 400 Index. As of June 30, 2017, this range was approximately $1.2 billion to $47.2 billion. The market capitalization range of these indices changes over time. Securities of companies whose market capitalizations no longer fall within this collective range after purchase may continue to be held by the Portfolio. The Portfolio invests primarily in common stocks of mid cap companies selected on the basis of their potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio focuses on companies that are determined to be of high quality. The key characteristics of high quality companies include a leadership position within an industry, a strong balance sheet, a high return on equity, and/or a strong management team. The Portfolio seeks to reduce overall risk by diversifying across sectors, industry groups and companies. The Portfolio s sector exposure relative to its benchmark is driven by an investment process which relies on fundamental company analysis and individual stock selection. As a result, based upon market or economic conditions, the Portfolio may at times have a relatively high percentage of its assets invested in a particular sector of the market. Page 1 of 2

22 The Portfolio invests primarily in U.S. common stocks. The Portfolio may also invest up to 20% of net assets in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and other securities of foreign issuers, including non-u.s. dollar denominated securities. The Portfolio typically trims positions as valuation appears incrementally less attractive, and may sell a stock when the adviser s investment thesis is no longer valid, typically due to an erosion of company fundamentals relative to expectations or when valuation is no longer attractive. The Portfolio may, but is not required to, exit a position if the company s capitalization grows beyond the mid cap range. The PRINCIPAL RISKS section is amended by adding the following Foreign Currency Risk factor: Foreign Currency Risk The risk that foreign (non-u.s. dollar) currency denominated securities may be adversely affected by decreases in foreign currency values relative to the U.S. dollar. Investments in securities subject to foreign currency risk may have more rapid and extreme changes in value or more losses than investments in U.S. dollar denominated securities. The PERFORMANCE section is amended by inserting the following as the third and fourth sentences of the first paragraph: Prior to October 27, 2017, the sub-adviser to the Portfolio was different. Performance shown may have been different if the current strategy, and the current sub-adviser, had been in place during the periods shown. The PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT section is amended to read as follows: Investment Adviser: Mason Street Advisors, LLC (MSA) Sub-Adviser: Wellington Management Company LLP (Wellington Management) Portfolio Managers: Philip W. Ruedi, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Equity Portfolio Manager, joined Wellington Management in 2004 and has co-managed the Portfolio since October Mark Whitaker, CFA, Senior Managing Director and Equity Portfolio Manager, joined Wellington Management in 2004 and has co-managed the Portfolio since October The Portfolio may experience increased portfolio turnover over the short term in connection with the transition to a new sub-adviser. Increased portfolio turnover can result in higher brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which can adversely affect performance. Please retain this Supplement for future reference. Page 2 of 2

23 THE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY SUPPLEMENT TO THE PROSPECTUSES (MAY 1, 2017) NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT VARIABLE LIFE VARIABLE COMPLIFE VARIABLE JOINT LIFE VARIABLE EXECUTIVE LIFE NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL VARIABLE LIFE ACCOUNT II CUSTOM VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE EXECUTIVE VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE SURVIVORSHIP VARIABLE UNIVERSAL LIFE This Supplement amends certain information contained in the Prospectuses referenced above. 1. On or about October 27, 2017, in the section titled, The Funds Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc., the following table is amended to contain the following information for the Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio and the Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio: Portfolio Investment Objective Sub-adviser (if applicable) Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio Long-term growth of capital Wellington Management Company LLP Long-term growth of capital and Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio income Wellington Management Company LLP Please read this Supplement carefully and keep it with your Prospectus for future reference. This Supplement is dated August 21, 2017.

24 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Prospectus Supplement Dated August 18, 2017 The following information supplements the Statutory Prospectus for the Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (the Fund ) dated May 1, 2017, as supplemented May 24, 2017 (the Prospectus ). You should read this Supplement together with the Prospectus. Sub-Adviser Changes for Mid Cap Growth Stock and Large Cap Core Stock Portfolios On or about October 27, 2017, Wellington Management Company LLP ( Wellington Management ) will replace William Blair Investment Management, LLC as the sub-adviser for the Fund s Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio and will also replace Fayez Sarofim & Co. as the sub-adviser for the Fund s Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio. Wellington Management will provide investment subadvisory services for the Portfolios pursuant to Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements approved by the Fund s Board of Directors on August 15, In approving the new Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Fund relied on an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Fund and its investment adviser to hire or terminate a sub-adviser at any time without shareholder approval so long as, among other conditions, shareholders are provided notice of the change. Additional information about Wellington Management, its investment strategies for the Portfolios, associated risks, and other information will be made available in the coming months consistent with the requirements of the Exemptive Order. Please retain this Supplement for future reference.

25 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Prospectus Supplement Dated May 24, 2017 The following information supplements the Statutory Prospectus for the Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (the Fund ) dated May 1, 2017 (the Prospectus ). You should read this Supplement together with the Prospectus. Amendments to Investment Sub-Advisory Agreements with Certain Sub-Advisers Effective February 22, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved amended and restated investment sub-advisory agreements between Mason Street Advisors, LLC ( Mason Street Advisors ) and (i) The Boston Company Asset Management, LLC ( The Boston Company ) with respect to the Growth Stock Portfolio; (ii) William Blair Investment Management, LLC ( William Blair ) with respect to the Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio; and (iii) Wellington Management Company LLP ( Wellington ) with respect to the Small Cap Growth Portfolio. Effective May 10, 2017, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved amended and restated investment sub-advisory agreements between Mason Street Advisors and (i) Fayez Sarofim & Co. ( Sarofim & Co. ) with respect to the Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio; (ii) FIAM LLC ( FIAM ) with respect to the International Growth Portfolio; (iii) Fiduciary Management, Inc. ( FMI ) with respect to the Large Cap Blend Portfolio; (iv) Massachusetts Financial Services Company ( MFS ) with respect to the Research International Core Portfolio; and (v) Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC ( Templeton ) with respect to the International Equity Portfolio. In approving the foregoing amended and restated investment sub-advisory agreements (the Amended Agreements ), the Fund relied on an Exemptive Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission that permits the Fund and Mason Street Advisors to amend investment sub-advisory agreements without shareholder approval so long as, among other conditions, shareholders are provided notice of the amendment. The Amended Agreements, which conform the existing agreements with The Boston Company, William Blair, Wellington, Sarofim & Co., FIAM, FMI, MFS and Templeton to Mason Street Advisors current form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement, include updated provisions reflecting developments in the investment management industry and memorializing certain business practices in place between Mason Street Advisors and its sub-advisers. The Amended Agreements include certain reporting and monitoring obligations applicable to investments in commodity interests, particularly involving derivatives transactions. The Amended Agreements also set forth the sub-advisers responsibilities regarding the establishment and implementation of a reasonably-designed cybersecurity program and associated policies. Except for a modification regarding the fee schedule applicable to the Large Cap Blend Portfolio managed by FMI, the Amended Agreements did not include any changes to fees. Please retain this Supplement for future reference.

26 Table of Contents Variable Product Prospectus Page Label Variable CompLife 1 Summary Prospectuses Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Growth Stock Portfolio Focused Appreciation Portfolio Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio Large Cap Blend Portfolio Index 500 Stock Portfolio Large Company Value Portfolio Domestic Equity Portfolio Equity Income Portfolio Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio Index 400 Stock Portfolio Mid Cap Value Portfolio Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio Index 600 Stock Portfolio Small Cap Value Portfolio International Growth Portfolio Research International Core Portfolio International Equity Portfolio Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Government Money Market Portfolio Short-Term Bond Portfolio Select Bond Portfolio Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio Inflation Protection Portfolio High Yield Bond Portfolio Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio Balanced Portfolio Asset Allocation Portfolio Fidelity Variable Insurance Products VIP Mid Cap Portfolio VIP Contrafund Portfolio Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Socially Responsive Portfolio Russell Investment Funds U.S. Strategic Equity Fund U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund Global Real Estate Securities Fund International Developed Markets Fund Strategic Bond Fund Russell Investment Funds LifePoints Variable Target Portfolio Series Moderate Strategy Fund Balanced Strategy Fund Growth Strategy Fund Equity Growth Strategy Fund Credit Suisse Trust Commodity Return Strategy Portfolio Page Label NMSF-1 NMSF-4 NMSF-7 NMSF-10 NMSF-13 NMSF-16 NMSF-19 NMSF-22 NMSF-25 NMSF-28 NMSF-31 NMSF-34 NMSF-38 NMSF-41 NMSF-45 NMSF-48 NMSF-52 NMSF-55 NMSF-59 NMSF-62 NMSF-66 NMSF-69 NMSF-73 NMSF-77 NMSF-80 NMSF-85 NMSF-90 Page Label FI-1 FI-7 Page Label NB-1 Page Label RIF-1 RIF-7 RIF-13 RIF-19 RIF-25 Page Label RLP-1 RLP-9 RLP-17 RLP-25 Page Label CST-1

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28 Prospectus May 1, 2017 Variable CompLife Issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and the Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account This prospectus describes an individual scheduled premium Variable Whole Life Insurance Policy that combines a minimum guaranteed death benefit with additional protection in an integrated policy design (the Policy ). You may choose to invest your Net Premiums in up to ten Divisions of the Northwestern Mutual Variable Life Account (the Separate Account ), each of which invests in one of the corresponding Portfolios listed below: Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. Growth Stock Portfolio Focused Appreciation Portfolio Large Cap Core Stock Portfolio Large Cap Blend Portfolio Index 500 Stock Portfolio Large Company Value Portfolio Domestic Equity Portfolio Equity Income Portfolio Mid Cap Growth Stock Portfolio Index 400 Stock Portfolio Mid Cap Value Portfolio Small Cap Growth Stock Portfolio Index 600 Stock Portfolio Small Cap Value Portfolio International Growth Portfolio Research International Core Portfolio International Equity Portfolio Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Government Money Market Portfolio Short-Term Bond Portfolio Select Bond Portfolio Long-Term U.S. Government Bond Portfolio Inflation Protection Portfolio High Yield Bond Portfolio Multi-Sector Bond Portfolio Balanced Portfolio Asset Allocation Portfolio Fidelity Variable Insurance Products VIP Mid Cap Portfolio VIP Contrafund Portfolio Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust Socially Responsive Portfolio Russell Investment Funds U.S. Strategic Equity Fund U.S. Small Cap Equity Fund Global Real Estate Securities Fund International Developed Markets Fund Strategic Bond Fund Russell Investment Funds LifePoints Variable Target Portfolio Series Moderate Strategy Fund Balanced Strategy Fund Growth Strategy Fund Equity Growth Strategy Fund Credit Suisse Trust Commodity Return Strategy Portfolio Please note that the Policy and the Portfolios are not guaranteed to achieve their goals and are not federally insured. The Policy and the Portfolios have not been endorsed by any bank or government agency and are subject to risks, including loss of the principal amount invested. This Policy is subject to the law of the state in which it is issued. Some of the terms of the Policy may differ from the terms of the Policy delivered in another state because of state specific legal requirements. Areas where state specific Policy provisions may apply include, but are not limited to: certain investment options and certain Policy features; and portfolio transfer rights. Please read carefully this prospectus and the accompanying prospectuses for the corresponding Portfolios and keep them for future reference. These prospectuses provide information that you should know before investing in the Policy. No person is authorized to make any representation in connection with the offering of the Policy other than those contained in these prospectuses. The Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ) has not approved or disapproved the Policy or determined that this prospectus is accurate or complete. It is a criminal offense to state otherwise. We no longer issue the Policy described in this prospectus. The variable life insurance policies we presently offer are described in separate prospectuses.

29 Contents of this Prospectus Page SUMMARY OF BENEFITS AND RISKS... 1 Benefits of the Policy... 1 Death Benefit... 1 Access to Your Values... 1 Flexibility... 1 Optional Benefits... 1 Income Plan Options... 1 Tax Benefits... 1 Risks of the Policy... 1 Investment Risk... 1 Default Risk... 1 Policy for Long-Term Protection... 1 Policy Lapse... 1 Policy Loan Risks... 1 Limitations on Access to Your Values... 2 Adverse Tax Consequences... 2 Risk of an Increase in Current Fees and Expenses... 2 FEE AND EXPENSE TABLES... 2 Transaction Fees... 2 Periodic Charges (Other than Portfolio Operating Expenses)... 3 Annual Portfolio Operating Expenses... 5 THE COMPANY... 5 THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT... 6 THE FUNDS... 6 Northwestern Mutual Series Fund, Inc. (the Series Fund )... 7 Fidelity Variable Insurance Products... 8 Neuberger Berman Advisers Management Trust... 8 Russell Investment Funds... 8 Credit Suisse Trust... 9 Payments We Receive... 9 INFORMATION ABOUT THE POLICY... 9 The Policy Design Requirements for Insurance Premiums Scheduled Premium, Unscheduled Premium and Additional Protection Suspension of Premium Payments Grace Period Death Benefit General Minimum Guaranteed Death Benefit Policy Value and Excess Amount Additional Protection Tax Considerations Paid-Up Additional Insurance Payment of Proceeds Policy Value and Paid-Up Additional Insurance Allocating Premiums to the Separate Account Allocations Among Divisions Transfers Between Divisions Short-Term and Excessive Trading Deductions and Charges Deductions from Premiums Charges Against the Policy Value Charges Against the Separate Account Assets Transaction Charges Page Surrender Charges Partial Surrenders Optional Benefits Expenses of the Portfolios Guarantee of Premiums, Deductions and Charges Cash Value Annual Dividends Policy Loans, Automatic Premium Loans, and Withdrawals Policy Loans Automatic Premium Loans General Loan Terms Withdrawals Required Unscheduled Additional Premium Excess Amount Paid-Up Insurance Reinstatement Reinvestments After Surrender or Withdrawal Right to Exchange for a Fixed Benefit Policy Modifying the Policy Other Policy Provisions Owner Beneficiary Incontestability Suicide Misstatement of Age or Sex Collateral Assignment Optional Benefits Income Plans Deferral of Determination and Payment Voting Rights Substitution of Portfolio Shares and Other Changes Reports and Financial Statements Special Policy for Employers Householding Abandoned Property Requirements Cybersecurity Legal Proceedings Speculative Investing Owner Inquiries Automatic Dollar-Cost Averaging Allocation Models Illustrations TAX CONSIDERATIONS General Life Insurance Qualification Tax Treatment of Life Insurance Modified Endowment Contracts (MEC) Estate and Generation Skipping Taxes Business-Owned Life Insurance Policy Split Right Split Dollar Arrangements Valuation of Life Insurance Other Tax Considerations DISTRIBUTION OF THE POLICY GLOSSARY OF TERMS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION... 33