Ballerina (2025) Movie ft Ana and Keanu
The John Wick universe expands with its latest offering, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, a spin-off that brings fresh energy to the beloved action franchise. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, and Anjelica Huston, this action-thriller follows an assassin trained in the Ruska Roma organization who seeks revenge after her father’s death.
Plot and Storyline
Eve Macarro is the daughter of two assassins – Javier, a Ruska Roma member, and his unnamed Cultist wife. The storyline centers around Eve’s quest for vengeance following her father’s death, setting the stage for a deeply personal journey through the shadowy world of international assassins.
The film’s plot unfolds against the backdrop of the Ruska Roma organization, providing viewers with deeper insights into this mysterious faction. Eve’s character development from a traumatized daughter to a lethal assassin forms the emotional core of the story.
Cast Performance
Ana de Armas proves herself a formidable lead, carrying the film with a blend of vulnerability and lethal grace. Her portrayal of Eve Macarro demonstrates both the physical demands of the role and the emotional depth required to make the character compelling.
The film features returning characters like Charon and The Director, with Keanu Reeves making his return as John Wick. Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston, bringing his characteristic gravitas to the proceedings.
Direction and Action Sequences
Director Len Wiseman brings his expertise to the John Wick universe with a style that honors the franchise’s aesthetic while establishing its own identity. Principal photography occurred from November 2022 to January 2023 in Prague, with additional action sequences shot starting in February 2024.
The film’s action sequences represent a natural evolution of the John Wick formula, incorporating ballet-inspired movements into the franchise’s renowned gun-fu combat style. The choreography team has created fight scenes that feel both familiar and fresh.
My Review Experience
I found myself genuinely impressed by how Ana de Armas handled the transition from dramatic roles to full-blown action star. Her commitment to the physical demands of the role is evident in every fight sequence. The way she blends ballet movements with brutal combat creates something I haven’t seen in action cinema before.
What struck me most was how the film respects the John Wick legacy while carving out its own space. I appreciated that Len Wiseman didn’t simply copy the John Wick playbook but adapted it to serve Eve’s unique story and skill set.
Critical Reception
The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Ana de Armas’ performance and the film’s ability to expand the John Wick universe meaningfully. The film currently holds a 7.3 rating on IMDb, indicating solid audience reception.
Critics say Len Wiseman’s Ballerina is on par with the rest of the John Wick franchise and the best pure action film of the year. However, some noted that the film faces the challenge of living up to the spectacular Keanu Reeves quadrilogy.
What Works Well
The film succeeds in several key areas that make it a worthy addition to the John Wick universe. Ana de Armas’ committed performance anchors the film, bringing both physical credibility and emotional depth to her role.
The action choreography successfully integrates ballet elements without feeling gimmicky, creating a unique visual language that distinguishes the film from its predecessors. The world-building aspects, particularly the exploration of the Ruska Roma organization, add depth to the franchise’s mythology.
Areas for Improvement
While the film succeeds in many areas, it faces the challenge of following the John Wick films. Some action sequences, while well-executed, may feel familiar to franchise veterans.
The pacing in certain sections could benefit from tighter editing, particularly in the middle act where character development sometimes slows the momentum. Additionally, some supporting characters feel underutilized given their importance to the franchise’s mythology.
Box Office and Cultural Impact
With a worldwide gross of $55.6 million, Ballerina has performed respectably at the box office. The film’s success demonstrates the continued appeal of the John Wick universe and audiences’ appetite for well-crafted action cinema.
The film represents a successful expansion of a beloved franchise with a female protagonist, opening doors for future spin-offs and demonstrating the versatility of the John Wick universe.
Final Verdict
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina succeeds as both a standalone action film and a worthy addition to the franchise. While it faces the challenging task of following one of the most successful action franchises, it carves out its own identity through strong performances and innovative action choreography.
Ana de Armas proves herself capable of carrying an action franchise, while Len Wiseman’s direction maintains the franchise’s high standards. For action film lovers and franchise fans alike, Ballerina offers a satisfying blend of familiar elements and fresh perspectives, making it a recommended viewing experience that honors its predecessors while charting its own course.
