From the World of John Wick: Ballerina Movie Review: Ana de Armas’ Spin-Off Is Stylish, Promising, But Not Quite There Yet
From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina takes you on a ballet of bullets, beauty, and brutal revenge. Read our review here!
3.5 / 5
In recent years, many action films have tried to replicate the John Wick formula, a lone hero haunted by a violent past, striving for redemption until a sudden event drags them back into a world of vengeance. But now, the franchise itself expands with a spinoff led by the ever-talented and stunning Ana de Armas. Set between the action of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, Ballerina is a spin-off movie of the John Wick franchise. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane, here is our review of the highly anticipated action-packed spin-off, From The World Of John Wick franchise: Ballerina.
Plot Of From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina
Ballerina opens with young Eve Macarro (played by Victoria Comte) witnessing the brutal murder of her father at the hands of Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), the ruthless leader of a dark syndicate. Stepping in as her saviour is Winston Scott (Ian McShane), John Wick’s trusted mentor, who entrusts her to the care of The Director (Anjelica Huston). The Director runs Ruska Roma, a fiercely disciplined tribe that trains assassins through ballet.
For centuries, Ruska Roma and the Chancellor’s cult have maintained a truce, staying out of each other’s way. But now a grown-up Eve (played by Ana de Armas) disrupts that balance when she discovers and kills a man marked with an X mark on his wrist, the symbol of her father’s killer. She then sets out on a path of vengeance to find the person responsible for her father’s murder.
Performances
Ana de Armas As Eve Macarro
Ana de Armas commands the screen as the stunning yet lethal ballerina assassin. After her role as Marilyn Monroe in Blonde, there was a valid concern that she might get typecast, an all-too-common fate for Hollywood’s so-called bombshells. But with Ballerina, de Armas shatters that notion, proving she’s far more than just a pretty face.
Though the film is full of action, de Armas delivers every fight scene with a practised ease and intensity that makes it all seem effortlessly breezy. What really makes her performance stand out, however, is the way she brings emotional complexity to the character, bringing both the action and the heart to the role with equal force.
Keanu Reeves as John Wick
The moment when Keanu Reeves’ legendary John Wick showed up on the screen, the cinema burst into applause and gasps. Finally, after two years, Keanu Reeves’ much-loved assassin is back. While his role in Ballerina is more of an extended cameo, every scene he’s in shines with intensity. The showdown between John Wick and Eve Macarro will have you gripped to your seat. Even with limited screen time, Reeves leaves a powerful impression, reminding fans exactly why he’s the heart of this franchise.
Verdict: A Thrilling Action Film That Nearly Nails It But Falls Short on Storyline
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is undeniably a treat for action lovers. With high-powered weapons, flamethrowers, and flawlessly choreographed combat sequences, the film delivers adrenaline-pumping moments one after another. The music score is energetic and engaging, ‘Fight Like A Girl’ by Evanescence ft. K. Flay stands out as a catchy title sequence for the film.
Also Read: Thug Life Review: 5 Thoughts We Have On Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan’s Action Drama Film!
Ahead of its release, some feared the film might fall into the trap of being a pseudo-feminist narrative, casting a female lead just for the optics and no soul. But Ballerina steers clear of that. It tells the authentic story of Eve Macarro and her thirst for vengeance against those who wronged her. That said, the film does falter in a few areas. The dialogue and storytelling feel underdeveloped, especially in the first half. Despite stunning cinematography, with dark, moody visuals that effectively set the tone, the storytelling lacks depth. The second half, however, is jam-packed with cool, unforgettable action scenes. If you’re only here for the action, you won’t be disappointed. But if you want to watch a movie with depth in storytelling, you might find it lacking.
Also Read: Housefull 5 Review: Akshay Kumar Is The Best Thing About This Whodunnit Comedy
First Published: June 12, 2025 3:54 PM
