Ballerina offers a good mix of high-octane action and a fresh perspective in the John Wick world. While it doesn’t reach the heights of the main films, Ana de Armas brings enough charm and power to make this spin-off worth watching. With better character development and a tighter plot, future entries could build on this foundation. For now, it’s an enjoyable but flawed addition to the franchise.
Ana de Armas plays Eve with strength and emotion, showing both vulnerability and determination. Her performance is one of the film’s highlights
Rating: 3/5
Ballerina, also known as From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, is a 2025 American action thriller that expands the popular John Wick universe. Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, the film acts as a spin-off set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023). It introduces a new lead character while continuing the franchise’s signature action style. With Ana de Armas taking on the central role of Eve, the movie features both fresh faces and returning characters from previous John Wick films, including Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, and the late Lance Reddick in his final appearance.
The story follows Eve Macarro, a ballerina being trained in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma, a secretive group of assassins. After a traumatic event in her past, Eve is raised and protected by Winston and Charon at the New York Continental Hotel. Her journey takes a dark turn when she decides to hunt down the people responsible for her family’s death. This quest leads her to face the Chancellor, a ruthless cult leader based in Austria. With help from allies and even John Wick himself, Eve must survive intense battles and discover who she truly is.
Ana de Armas plays Eve with strength and emotion, showing both vulnerability and determination. Her performance is one of the film’s highlights. Ian McShane returns as Winston, providing the same cold charm and wisdom fans love. Lance Reddick, in his final role, once again plays Charon with dignity and calm authority. Keanu Reeves appears as John Wick, offering support in key action scenes. Gabriel Byrne plays the villainous Chancellor, the leader of a dangerous assassin cult. Norman Reedus takes on the role of Daniel Pine, the Chancellor’s son, who turns against his father.
One of the strongest parts of Ballerina is its action. From intense hand-to-hand combat to large-scale gunfights and even a memorable flamethrower scene, the film delivers what John Wick fans expect. The choreography is sharp and well-paced, and the cinematography captures the violence in a stylish, almost dance-like manner. The worldbuilding also expands beyond the High Table, offering a fresh look at other assassin groups like the Ruska Roma. Ana de Armas shines in her role, bringing both grace and grit to Eve. The sound design is another standout, making action scenes feel powerful and immersive. For those who enjoy stylish violence and deeper layers in the John Wick universe, there’s a lot to appreciate here.
Despite the strong action, the film struggles with character development. Eve’s transformation into a top-level assassin happens too quickly, making it feel unrealistic at times. The character of Eve’s sister is introduced but not explored deeply, leaving emotional moments underdeveloped. Some scenes, especially the bloodier ones, could have been shorter or more thoughtfully edited. Additionally, while fans may enjoy seeing John Wick, his appearance feels forced and doesn’t add much to the story beyond extra star power. The script is serviceable, but some viewers may find the storytelling a bit weak compared to other entries in the franchise.
