G20 (2025)

Ballerina (2025) Review: Ana de Armas Delivers Deadly Grace in the John Wick Universe

The John Wick franchise has just found its most elegant and lethal new star. Ballerina (2025), starring the captivating Ana de Armas, pirouettes into theaters with all the brutal sophistication fans have come to expect from this underground assassin world. But does this spinoff dance to its own rhythm, or does it simply follow in John Wick's footsteps?

From the moment Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) steps onto the screen, it's clear that this isn't just another action movie trying to capitalize on a successful franchise. This is a carefully choreographed symphony of violence that introduces us to a new kind of killer – one who can execute a perfect plié before executing her enemies.

A Revenge Story Wrapped in Silk and Steel

Set during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Ballerina tells the story of Eve Macarro, a young woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when her father is murdered. What makes this revenge tale different is Eve's unique background as a ballerina who becomes trained in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma organization.

Director Len Wiseman, known for his work on the Underworld franchise, brings a fresh perspective to the John Wick universe while maintaining the stylistic elements that make these films so distinctive. The movie takes its time building Eve's character, showing us her transformation from graceful dancer to graceful killer.

The plot may follow a familiar revenge formula, but it's the execution that sets Ballerina apart. Eve's journey isn't just about learning to fight – it's about adapting her existing skills as a dancer to become something far more dangerous. The film explores how her ballet training becomes the foundation for her lethal abilities, creating fight sequences that are as beautiful as they are brutal.

Ana de Armas: From Bond Girl to Assassin Extraordinaire

Ana de Armas has proven herself capable of handling action roles before, but Ballerina showcases her abilities like never before. As Eve Macarro, she brings both vulnerability and fierce determination to the screen. Her portrayal of a woman seeking revenge is nuanced and compelling, never falling into the trap of making her character one-dimensional.

What's particularly impressive is how de Armas incorporates actual ballet movements into her fight choreography. Every kick, punch, and deadly maneuver flows with the grace of a trained dancer, creating action sequences that feel fresh and innovative within the John Wick framework.

The supporting cast adds considerable weight to the film. Ian McShane returns as Winston, offering his trademark wit and wisdom, while Anjelica Huston brings gravitas to her role within the Ruska Roma organization. The late Lance Reddick appears in what would be one of his final performances, adding emotional depth to the film's connection to the broader John Wick universe.

A Star-Studded Supporting Cast

The film doesn't rely solely on de Armas to carry the action. Gabriel Byrne delivers a memorable performance as one of the antagonists, bringing his considerable acting prowess to create a villain worthy of Eve's skills. Norman Reedus, known for The Walking Dead, adds his own brand of intensity to the proceedings.

Catalina Sandino Moreno provides crucial support in Eve's journey, while the film makes excellent use of its ensemble to create a rich, lived-in world that feels authentically part of the John Wick universe.

Visual Spectacle Meets Emotional Depth

Ballerina doesn't just rely on its action sequences to impress audiences, though they are undeniably spectacular. The film takes time to develop its emotional core, exploring themes of loss, family, and the cost of revenge. Eve's relationship with her father and her connection to the ballet world provide emotional anchors that give weight to all the stylized violence.

The cinematography beautifully captures both the elegance of Eve's ballet performances and the kinetic energy of her fight scenes. The film's visual style maintains the sleek, neon-soaked aesthetic of the John Wick films while adding its own distinctive flair through the incorporation of dance elements.

Production design deserves special mention, as the film creates new locations within the John Wick universe that feel both fresh and familiar. From ballet studios that double as training grounds to elegant European locations where deadly encounters unfold, every setting serves the story while expanding the franchise's visual vocabulary.

Action Choreography: Where Ballet Meets Brutality

The action sequences in Ballerina are where the film truly shines. Fight choreographer Jonathan Eusebio, who worked on previous John Wick films, creates battle sequences that incorporate ballet movements in ways that feel organic rather than gimmicky. Watching Eve dispatch enemies with moves that could have come straight from Swan Lake is both mesmerizing and terrifying.

The film's approach to violence maintains the John Wick franchise's signature style while adding new elements. Gun-fu sequences are complemented by graceful, dance-inspired combat that makes every fight feel like a deadly performance. The camera work captures these moments with precision, allowing audiences to appreciate both the artistry and the impact of each encounter.

Expanding the John Wick Universe

One of Ballerina's greatest strengths is how it expands the mythology of the John Wick universe without feeling like a simple cash grab. The film introduces new aspects of the assassin underworld, particularly through the Ruska Roma organization, while maintaining connections to established characters and locations.

The Continental Hotel plays a significant role, with Winston and Charon providing protection for Eve during crucial moments in her story. These connections feel natural and serve the plot rather than existing merely as fan service.

Critical Reception and Box Office Performance

Critics have generally responded positively to Ballerina, praising Ana de Armas's performance and the film's innovative approach to action choreography. While some reviewers noted that the film takes time to build momentum, most agreed that the payoff is worth the wait.

The film's 7.0 rating on IMDb suggests that audiences are responding well to this new entry in the John Wick universe. Many fans appreciate how the movie respects the established lore while carving out its own identity within the franchise.

Box office numbers have shown strong opening weekend performance, indicating that audiences are hungry for more content from this universe. The film's international appeal, particularly in markets where Ana de Armas has a strong following, has contributed to its commercial success.

Technical Excellence and Soundtrack

The technical aspects of Ballerina maintain the high standards set by previous John Wick films. Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard's soundtrack perfectly complements the on-screen action, blending classical music elements with modern electronic sounds to create an audio landscape that supports both the ballet and action sequences.

Sound design deserves particular praise for how it handles the contrast between the quiet elegance of dance scenes and the explosive intensity of action sequences. Every gunshot, every impact, and every musical note is precisely placed to maximum effect.

Themes and Deeper Meaning

Beneath all the stylized violence and gorgeous cinematography, Ballerina explores meaningful themes about art, violence, and transformation. Eve's journey from dancer to assassin raises questions about how our talents can be reshaped by circumstances and revenge.

The film also examines the idea of family – both blood family and chosen family – as Eve navigates relationships within the Ruska Roma organization. Her connections to other characters provide emotional stakes that elevate the material beyond simple action spectacle.

Cultural Impact and Representation

Having Ana de Armas, a Cuban-Spanish actress, lead a major action franchise represents a significant step forward for representation in Hollywood blockbusters. Her portrayal of Eve Macarro brings authenticity and cultural depth to the character while proving that action heroes come in many forms.

The film's exploration of ballet as both art form and training ground for deadly skills offers a unique perspective on how traditionally feminine pursuits can be reimagined in action cinema.

How Ballerina Sets Up Future Films

While Ballerina tells a complete story, it also opens doors for future adventures in the John Wick universe. Eve Macarro's journey establishes her as a formidable new player in this world of assassins, and her connections to existing characters suggest potential for crossovers with future John Wick films.

The film's exploration of the Ruska Roma organization provides rich material for potential sequels or other spinoffs. The success of Ballerina likely means we'll see more of Ana de Armas in this role, which is excellent news for action movie fans.

Final Verdict: A Worthy Addition to the John Wick Legacy

Ballerina (2025) successfully expands the John Wick universe while establishing its own unique identity. Ana de Armas delivers a star-making performance that combines grace, intensity, and emotional depth. The film's innovative approach to action choreography, strong supporting cast, and respectful handling of the franchise's established lore make it a must-see for both John Wick fans and action movie enthusiasts.

While the film may take some time to reach its highest peaks, the journey is consistently engaging, and the destination is thoroughly satisfying. Ballerina proves that the John Wick universe has room for new perspectives and new heroes, as long as they bring the same commitment to style, substance, and spectacular action.

This isn't just a spinoff – it's a declaration that the world of assassins has found its newest star, and she dances to the beat of her own deadly drum.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Ballerina earns four out of five stars for its stellar lead performance, innovative action sequences, and successful expansion of the beloved John Wick universe. While it may not quite reach the heights of the best John Wick films, it establishes itself as a worthy entry that leaves audiences eager for more adventures with Eve Macarro.

Have you seen Ballerina? What did you think of Ana de Armas's transformation into a deadly assassin? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to check out our other reviews of the latest action blockbusters!