Ballerina (2025) Movie ft. Ana and Erica
The John Wick universe expands with its most captivating spin-off yet in From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, a high-octane action thriller that proves the Continental’s world of assassins has room for more than one legendary killer. Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro, a Russian ballerina-turned-assassin whose graceful movements mask deadly intentions.
Plot and Storyline
The story follows Eve Macarro, daughter of two assassins seeking vengeance against the men who killed her family. As a Russian ballerina-turned-assassin, Eve’s journey mirrors the classic revenge tale that drives the entire John Wick franchise. However, Ballerina distinguishes itself by exploring the feminine perspective within this testosterone-heavy universe.
The film cleverly uses the ballet metaphor throughout, with choreographed fight sequences that blend dance-like movements with visceral combat. This approach gives the action sequences a unique aesthetic that separates them from the more straightforward brutality of the main John Wick films.
Cast Performance
Ana de Armas delivers a powerhouse performance that carries the entire film. Critics praise her badass lead performance and note how she elevates a fairly standard revenge story with loads of over-the-top action. Her portrayal of Eve Macarro successfully establishes a new icon within the John Wick universe.
The action system developed for her character works specifically for her physical presence, showing how she fights similarly to John Wick but in a way that suits her build. Keanu Reeves makes his return as John Wick, though his role appears more limited compared to the main series.
Direction and Visual Style
Director Len Wiseman brings his experience with action filmmaking to create a visually distinctive entry in the John Wick universe. The film maintains the franchise’s signature style while incorporating dance-inspired choreography that gives the action sequences their own identity.
The integration of ballet movements into combat scenarios creates a unique aesthetic that justifies the film’s title and central concept. The visual design maintains the John Wick universe’s distinctive look while incorporating elements that reflect the protagonist’s background.
Critical Reception and Ratings
Critics describe Ballerina as on par with the rest of the John Wick franchise and the best pure action film of the year. The film’s 7.3 IMDb rating reflects solid audience appreciation, while professional critics have generally embraced its approach to expanding the John Wick universe.
Review outlets have called it the action movie to beat this summer, delivering utterly insane thrills and a new icon in Ana de Armas. However, some critics note that the film succeeds when judged by action movie standards rather than dramatic expectations.
What I Liked
I found the film’s greatest strength in its action choreography, which successfully adapts the John Wick formula for a new protagonist without feeling like a carbon copy. The integration of ballet movements into combat sequences creates visually striking moments that justify the film’s central concept.
Ana de Armas proves she can carry a major action franchise, bringing both physical credibility and emotional depth to her role. The world-building elements that connect to the larger John Wick universe provide continuity for franchise fans while offering enough context for newcomers.
What Could Be Better
While the action sequences impress, I noticed the revenge plot follows predictable patterns that offer few surprises for genre veterans. The film’s adherence to familiar story beats, while competently executed, doesn’t push narrative boundaries or explore new thematic territory.
The pacing occasionally struggles to balance character development with action spectacle, sometimes favoring visual flash over emotional depth. Some secondary characters could benefit from deeper development to match the complexity of the action sequences.
My Final Verdict
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina succeeds as both a spin-off and a standalone action film. Ana de Armas proves herself capable of leading a major action franchise, while Len Wiseman’s direction maintains the visual and stylistic standards that define the John Wick universe.
Despite following familiar narrative patterns, the film’s execution and unique approach to action choreography make it a worthy addition to the franchise. For action movie fans and John Wick lovers, Ballerina delivers the violent ballet of vengeance its title promises.
