Ballerina offers a fierce yet emotional ride through the violent world of assassins, grounded by a powerful performance from Ana de Armas. While it expands the John Wick universe with rich character depth and solid action, the film occasionally loses momentum with uneven pacing and slightly underdeveloped antagonists. Still, it’s a thrilling spin-off that blends vengeance with vulnerability.
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Plot and Actor, Director, and Crew Details
The film centers on Eve (Ana de Armas), who, after witnessing her father’s murder as a child, is taken in by Winston (Ian McShane) of the Continental Hotel and handed over to the Ruska Roma—the same deadly collective that raised John Wick. Trained under the watchful eye of the Director (Anjelica Huston), Eve becomes a Kikimora—an elite assassin and spiritual protector.
As Eve steps into the assassin’s world, she uncovers a conspiracy linked to her father’s death. Her pursuit of revenge pits her against a chilling villain, the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), and even leads her to a fateful encounter with John Wick (Keanu Reeves) himself. Norman Reedus plays Daniel Pine, a mysterious assassin with ties to Eve’s past, while Lance Reddick makes a touching final appearance as Charon.
Directed by Len Wiseman, the film is a spinoff of the John Wick series, with franchise veterans Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee producing.
Review
Ana de Armas shines as Eve—her performance is emotionally resonant, physically intense, and refreshingly human. She carries the film with a perfect mix of rage and restraint. Huston brings back the icy discipline of the Ruska Roma, grounding the film in the Wick universe’s familiar mythos.
Gabriel Byrne’s Chancellor is a subdued yet effective villain, exuding menace without theatrics. Norman Reedus adds heart to the narrative, and Lance Reddick’s final bow is both powerful and respectful. Keanu Reeves makes a brief but well-placed appearance that propels the plot without stealing the spotlight.
Wiseman’s direction keeps the choreography stylish and tight, though the second act suffers from a slight drag due to heavy exposition. Some action sequences feel like retreads of earlier Wick films, and the Cult’s motivations are murky compared to the nuanced world-building of the High Table.
Still, the emotional weight of Eve’s journey elevates Ballerina beyond a standard spin-off. It’s about reclaiming one’s identity, choosing between peace and revenge, and finding strength in pain.
Conclusion
Ballerina blends intense action with emotional storytelling, carving a unique identity within the John Wick universe. Ana de Armas proves she’s more than capable of leading this franchise chapter, and while the film stumbles in parts, it hits hard where it counts.
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