Ballerina Movie Review: John Wick Universe Spin-Off Delivers Brutal Ballet Action
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (commonly known as Ballerina) is a spin-off set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. Directed by Len Wiseman and scripted by Shay Hatten (with contributions from Emerald Fennell and Michael Finch), the film stars Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, an assassin-in-training seeking vengeance for her father’s death.
Plot Summary
Origins and Training
Eve Macarro grows up under the protection of her father, Javier, after escaping a cult known as the “Chancellor’s group.” When assassins attack, her father is mortally wounded and subsequently dies. Winston finds Eve and brings her to the Ruska Roma, where she is mentored by the Director and trained in a ballet school that doubles as an assassin academy.
Rise to Elite Operative
For over a decade, Eve hones her skills until she becomes a certified assassin. Her first missions involve bodyguard work and contract hits, demonstrating both lethal precision and emotional detachment .
Revenge and Conflict
Eve uncovers the truth: her father had abducted her from the cult, making him a target. With John Wick's guidance, she confronts and kills the Chancellor. This violation breaks a longstanding pact, setting a $5 million bounty on her head and shifting the balance within the Ruska Roma.
Aftermath and Future
By film’s end, Eve escapes with a rescued girl named Ella, aiming to stay hidden. But the consequences are clear: her actions have disrupted a fragile peace, establishing a foundation for future installments .
Cast & Characters
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Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballet-trained assassin.
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Anjelica Huston as the Director, head of the Ruska Roma academy.
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Ian McShane as Winston, Continental's operator and Eve's rescuer.
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Keanu Reeves as John Wick, appears briefly to support Eve.
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Gabriel Byrne as the Chancellor, the father’s murderer and main antagonist.
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Lance Reddick in his final appearance as Charon .
Highlights
1. Signature Action & Choreography
The film delivers its trademark mix of sleek, visceral combat and theatrical brutality. The standout tavern fight scene combines slapstick humor with inventive weapon use—plates, bowls, and other everyday items—alongside stylized brutality. Critics from The Daily Beast called it “totally bonkers,” giving the film a distinctive voice among Wick entries .
2. Visual and Stylistic Elements
With filming in Prague and other European locales, the movie blends cold, gothic backdrops with lavish sets. Costume and cinematography remain sharp, highlighting Eve’s transformation from ballerina to assassin .
3. Franchise Connectivity
Keanu Reeves’s cameo provides a tactical pivot point, reinforcing ties to Wick lore. Meanwhile, familiar faces like Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, and Lance Reddick add continuity and depth.
Criticisms
1. Narrative Simplicity
Many reviews, including those from Time and the New York Post, note that the plot is straightforward and thin, centered heavily on revenge. Critics described the characters, especially Eve, as emotionally distant .
2. Franchise Redundancy
Though visually compelling, Ballerina often falls back on John Wick tropes—gunfights, training montages—without offering a distinct identity. While the tavern scene adds originality, overall pacing drags between action set-pieces .
3. Timeline Inconsistencies
The increased presence of John Wick and Charon’s appearance conflict with events in Chapter 3 and 4. These contradictions undercut the carefully built Wick timeline.
Reception & Box Office
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Box Office Performance: Debuted domestically with ~$25 million, contributing to a global total near $57 million.
CinemaScore: Audience graded it “A–”, with 87% PostTrak positive.
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Indian Market: In India’s urban regions, it earned ₹5–8 crore opening day and needs ₹50 crore total for hit status.
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Streaming Plans: Expected theatrical to OTT shift (Netflix or Prime Video) by late August 2025 .
Thematic Analysis
Identity and Legacy
Eve’s journey mirrors Wick’s, rooted in the Ruska Roma tradition. Yet her choices ultimately break that tradition—choosing personal vendetta over communal ties.
Female Protagonist in Action
Eve’s portrayal reinforces a strong female fighter archetype. However, critics argue that without deeper emotional stakes, she feels underdeveloped and lacking unique personal nuance.
Moral Consequences
By killing the Chancellor, Eve disrupts a long-standing peace agreement. Director Wiseman confirmed future consequences, including potential family reunions and a damaged alliance.
Final Verdict
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina delivers high-octane action, slick visuals, and a memorable slapstick-infused fight. Yet narrative depth and franchise cohesion occasionally falter. It offers an engaging expansion to the Wick universe, though it often feels like an action showcase more than a fully formed film.
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Watch it if you enjoy stylized combat, the Wick world’s lore, and Ana de Armas as a lethal heroine.
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Skip it if you expect strong pacing, deep emotional arcs, or tight continuity with the main series.
Highlights at a Glance
| Element | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Action | Slapstick innovation, standout tavern fight | Overused gunfight routines |
| Visual Style | Strong cinematography, elegant assassin training | Lacks emotional warmth |
| Lore Tie-in | Cameos maintain Wick connection | Timeline inconsistencies create confusion |
In Closing
Ballerina stands as a stylistic and action-packed addition to the John Wick franchise. It is ambitious and visually arresting but hampered by limited character depth and narrative repetition. Die-hard fans will find enough spectacle to enjoy, while others may be left wanting a stronger thematic backbone.
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