Ana de Armas stands out in her role in the original Knives Out (2019) and has made a lasting impression as one of the most memorable Bond girls in No Time to Die (2021). In her latest film, Ballerina—officially titled From the World of John Wick: Ballerina—she takes on the formidable role of Eve Macarro, a skilled fighter squaring off against a cult-like organization. This installment may just be the most engaging John Wick film since the original release in 2014.
(This review contains mild spoilers, with some important revelations included after the gallery. A heads-up will be given before those details.)
Set during the timeline of John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, Ballerina expands on the lore established in its predecessors. In Parabellum, Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, is declared excommunicado after killing crime lord Santino D’Antonio within the Continental grounds. With a bounty on his head, he seeks refuge with the Ruska Roma crime syndicate led by the Director, portrayed by Anjelica Huston. While Wick undergoes assassin training, Eve is also honing her skills to become a deadly ballerina-assassin. The narrative gives viewers insights into Eve’s past, creating a seamless continuity.
As she gains experience, Eve starts to build a body count until encountering a group of counter-assassins whose distinctive brand jolts her memory. This reveals a connection to her father’s murder. The Director warns her against pursuing the rogue cultists, but the desire for vengeance pushes Eve forward on a relentless quest to confront the cult and its shadowy leader, the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). It raises the question: will the Ruska Roma remain loyal to one who disobeys orders? The answer seems all but assured.
Ballerina delivers the stunning visuals, elaborate settings, and innovative stunt work that audiences have come to expect from the John Wick franchise. The plot is more cohesive than recent entries, and the various global locations serve a purpose in the story, rather than merely functioning as backdrops for action sequences.
[WARNING: Significant spoilers follow. Proceed with caution if you haven’t viewed the film.]
This film features Lance Reddick in his final role as the concierge Charon.
Anjelica Huston reprises her role as the Director of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate.
Norman Reedus features as Daniel Pine, a character shrouded in mystery.
Eve embarks on a quest for revenge following her father’s death.
The stakes rise as Eve confronts the syndicate’s assassins.
As typical for the franchise, the fight choreography in Ballerina excels. Though Eve may be smaller in stature compared to many of her male opponents, she proves to be equally deadly, especially when employing clever and resourceful tactics, such as turning a pair of ice skates into lethal weapons. One notable fight sequence involving competing flamethrowers stands out as a highlight. It is unfortunate that the skilled stunt team behind Ballerina is excluded from the Academy’s new category recognizing stunt work.
However, the film is not without its minor flaws. Keanu Reeves makes a welcome appearance, but the decision to send Wick after Eve raises questions. At this narrative point, he is already embroiled in his own struggles during the events of Parabellum. The situation feels improbable, considering Wick’s busy schedule filled with confrontations to suddenly include a detour for an encounter with Eve.
Another point of contention is the brief reunion between Eve and an assassin named Lena (played by Catalina Sandino Moreno), who turns out to be her long-lost sister. Their connection is tragically underdeveloped as the Chancellor orders Lena’s execution once he realizes she won’t follow through on the mission to kill Eve. While thematic violence is a hallmark of John Wick films, allowing for a more profound exploration of this sibling connection could have deepened the emotional stakes. Nevertheless, Ballerina remains a gripping and action-laden addition to the franchise.
Currently screening in theaters, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina sets the stage for potential sequels, and fans hope to see de Armas and Eve return for further escapades.
