From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025) Movie ft. Ana, Keanu and Len

The John Wick universe expands with its first spin-off film, bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved action franchise. Directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas in the lead role, this action-thriller takes place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3. The film features an impressive cast including Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Norman Reedus, and the late Lance Reddick.

Plot and Storyline

The story centers around Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), who transforms from a classical ballerina into a deadly assassin. Set during the chaotic events of John Wick: Chapter 3, the story serves as both an origin tale and a revenge thriller. Eve’s journey begins when her father is murdered, setting her on a path of vengeance.

The film explores the rigorous training process within the Ruska Roma, showcasing how ballet’s precision translates into deadly combat techniques. Under the tutelage of the Director (Anjelica Huston), Eve must master both the physical aspects of assassination and navigate the complex politics of the Continental Hotel system.

Cast Performances

Ana de Armas delivers a powerhouse performance as Eve Macarro, bringing both vulnerability and fierce determination to the role. Her background in action films serves her well here, as she seamlessly transitions between the grace of a trained dancer and the precision of a skilled killer. I found her physical performance particularly impressive, handling demanding action sequences with balletic fluidity.

Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick, though his role is more limited. His presence connects this spin-off to the larger narrative while allowing space for the new protagonist to shine. Ian McShane reprises his role as Winston with his usual sophisticated menace.

Direction and Cinematography

Len Wiseman brings his action filmmaking experience to Ballerina, creating a visual style that honors the John Wick franchise while establishing its own identity. The director successfully integrates ballet choreography into fight sequences, creating action scenes that feel like deadly performances. Wiseman’s use of longer takes allows viewers to appreciate both the choreography and performers’ skills.

The cinematography maintains the franchise’s signature neon-lit aesthetic while incorporating elements that reflect Eve’s background. Dance studios become training grounds, and performance spaces transform into battlefields.

Action Choreography and Visual Effects

The action sequences represent some of the best work in the John Wick franchise. The integration of ballet training into combat choreography creates fight scenes that are both beautiful and brutal. Each action sequence feels distinct, progressing from training exercises to large-scale battles.

Practical effects take precedence over digital ones, ensuring that the action feels grounded and impactful. The film avoids over-reliance on CGI, instead using digital effects to enhance environments and remove safety equipment.

Critical Reception and Ratings

Ballerina has received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film earned $24.5 million in its opening weekend and received a 75% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes based on 230 reviews. Critics have praised Ana de Armas’s commitment to the role and the film’s successful expansion of the John Wick universe.

Critics described the film as absolute mayhem from start to finish and praised the over-the-top action and badass lead performance. Many reviews highlight how the film elevates the John Wick saga to mythic status. The film currently holds a 7.3/10 rating on IMDb, indicating strong audience appreciation.

What I Liked About the Film

Several elements make Ballerina a successful addition to the franchise. Ana de Armas’s performance stands out as the film’s greatest strength, bringing both physical prowess and emotional depth. I was impressed by her ability to convey Eve’s transformation from performer to predator authentically.

The integration of ballet into action choreography creates visually stunning sequences that feel fresh. The film’s world-building expands the mythology without contradicting established elements. Production values maintain the franchise’s high standards with excellent costume design and practical effects work.

Areas That Could Be Better

While Ballerina succeeds in many areas, some elements could have been stronger. The revenge plot follows predictable beats that may feel familiar to genre fans. Some supporting characters could have benefited from additional development to fully realize their potential.

Certain action sequences occasionally prioritize style over story advancement. The villain’s motivation could have been explored more thoroughly to make the conflict feel more personal. Some dialogue feels overly expository during world-building moments.

Final Verdict

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina successfully expands the beloved franchise while establishing its own identity. Ana de Armas delivers a star-making performance that honors the franchise’s legacy while creating something distinctly her own. The film proves that the John Wick universe can support stories beyond its titular character.

For action movie fans, Ballerina delivers high-quality choreography and practical effects. For those interested in character-driven stories, Eve’s journey offers emotional stakes that ground the spectacular violence. The film succeeds as both entertainment and mythology expansion, proving that the world of John Wick has room for new legends to be born.