Ballerina Review: Solid Addition to the John Wick Universe!

June 28, 2025July 11, 2025 Surya Komal 1 Comment Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Ballerina, English Movies, Gabriel Byrne, Hollywood, Hollywood Movie Reviews, Hollywood Movies, Ian McShane, Keanu Reeves, Lance Reddick, Len Wiseman, Norman Reedus

Ballerina, directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, marks the fifth entry in the John Wick franchise, positioned narratively between Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4. Marketed with the tagline “From the World of John Wick,” the film shifts its focus to a new protagonist, Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas. With returning characters like Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick), and John Wick himself (Keanu Reeves), the film expands the universe on the covert world of assassins, rules, and hidden allegiances.

The story follows Eve, the daughter of two assassins who lives in hiding with her father, Javier, after he betrays the Cult—an offshoot organization that had claimed his wife. Following a deadly confrontation with the Cult, Eve is orphaned and brought into the fold of the Ruska Roma, where she is trained under the Director’s watch. Over the years, Eve transforms into a formidable assassin, balancing grace and violence as she fulfills contracts across the globe. But when a clue about the Cult resurfaces, Eve breaks protocol and sets out on a personal mission to uncover the truth and seek vengeance for her family’s destruction.

What truly elevates Ballerina is its exceptional action design. Staying true to the John Wick legacy, the film delivers stunning fight choreography laced with intensity and elegance. The use of practical stunts, close-quarters combat, and stylized gunplay—blended seamlessly with visual effects—makes every action sequence a spectacle. Each fight feels unique, often charged with emotional weight, turning violence into a form of storytelling.

Another standout of Ballerina is Ana de Armas herself. While known for her versatility in dramatic roles, this performance feels like a revelation. I genuinely didn’t expect this level of physicality from her, especially in a franchise so synonymous with action-heavy precision. But she absolutely rises to the challenge. In combat, she’s convincing—swift, controlled, and fierce—fully embodying a character who has been shaped by pain and training.

You can sense the months of training and preparation behind her movements. And when the guns go quiet, Ana de Armas handles the emotional beats just as well, especially in scenes that delve into Eve’s loss and inner conflict. She’s not just a killer on a mission; she’s a grieving daughter, a survivor, and someone trying to reclaim agency over her past. It’s easily one of her strongest performances to date alongside Blonde (2022).

That said, the plot itself didn’t always land for me. The narrative feels a bit thin and doesn’t carry the same gripping momentum as earlier John Wick entries. But to its credit, the action more than compensates for the story’s shortcomings. Every fight or shootout is crafted with care, keeping the energy high and the visuals exciting. It’s also a treat to return to the familiar world of assassins, codes, and Continental hotels. Seeing Ian McShane’s Winston and Lance Reddick’s Charon again was a welcome touch of continuity. As for Keanu Reeves’ cameo—it felt more like a checkbox than a necessity, and didn’t add much to the overall arc.

Overall, Ballerina is a solid addition to the John Wick universe, anchored by thrilling action and a surprisingly layered lead performance from Ana de Armas. While its story may not break new ground, its execution—particularly in the fight sequences—delivers what fans of the franchise come for. It’s a bloody and a balletic revenge tale.