‘Ballerina’ Review – Ana de Armas Is A Bona Fide Badass

Synopsis: Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.

It doesn’t matter how good you are or how qualified you are on paper; if you don’t fit their mold, they will undoubtedly underestimate you. But you know what? Let them. Let their presumptions be their downfall. Obliterate the box they want to fit you in, redefine the archetype, and no need to prove them wrong, prove yourself right. Make them question the status quo, which in turn makes them question themselves. Win on your terms. Furthermore, define yourself before your narrative becomes dictated by others. If all else fails, call Eve.

“Does she know who her parents really were?”

If you thought the chaos that ensued after John Wick’s dog was killed was a wild ride, wait until you experience the wrath of over a decade of hate, animosity, and pain being unleashed. Directed by Len Wiseman, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a vengeance-driven body count bonanza. As the film nestles cozily between John Wick 3 and 4, Eve firmly plants her flag within this universe, solidifying two things: the franchise just got better, and Ana de Armas is a bona fide badass. From utilizing the same neon and cold color aesthetic, interacting with familiar faces, along with a somewhat similar story format, I can’t remember a spinoff being this good. Not to mention, our ballerina, Eve, lets more bodies hit the floor than playing the Drowning Pool song on repeat for hours. With arguably more grit than the films that bore it and featuring the same level of hypnotic magnetism, Ballerina is sure to dazzle audiences. With endless guns, a myriad of blades, and enough vengeance for multiple films, fans are treated to a buffet of violence and the cold smolder of Eve’s eyes.

While the plot may be simple and the story uncomplicated, there’s a visceral understanding and relatability to what is unfolding. Motivated by tragedy, Eve has pushed past her limits in training and is prepared to hunt down those who have taken from her. The only problem is that doing so goes against the rules held by the Ruska Roma. And as we know, if you break the rules, you’ve just initiated your own demise.

“If you deal in blood, there must be rules.”

The film thrives in its authentic feel as it details Eve’s size disadvantages and how, to succeed as an assassin or Kikimora (protector), she’ll have to be unorthodox, being told to “Fight like a girl”. This aspect is where the film separates and stands out from JW. Not only does it highlight the beginning of her grueling training, but you can see her progression with each deadly encounter. She has no contacts or support system and no bulletproof suit, only a heart full of fire and the ability to end a life with almost anything. The story features about the same amount of dialogue as Keanu Reeves’ first assassin outing, however, de Armas’ Eve Macarro has a lot more to say as their circumstances differ.

High-octane action may be what’s on the surface and what audiences fawn over, but what is at its core is highlighting and thwarting cultism and dangerous indoctrination. And Eve unknowingly takes on a task that even John Wick would have trouble with. Speaking of John, yes, he is in the film, and fortunately, not as much as you’d think. His presence is only needed in the moments presented, as Ana de Armas does a fantastic job leading the story. Instead of believing lore, we’re seeing the birth of it. The fight choreography is top-tier, as expected, and the camerawork works in perfect tandem with each action sequence. Moreover, the craft team did an amazing job with the aesthetics. I think I can confidently say that there will be a sequel. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

Not unlike the rest of the John Wick franchise, the pacing of this film is relentless yet steady as the action comes early and often. What popped for me was the unspoken progression of Eve’s confidence, fighting style, and ability. The visual storytelling is horrific for those who stand in her way, but exhilarating for the viewer.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves

Ana de Armas crushes this performance. Who would’ve thought that after 2015’s Knock Knock, that de Armas and Keanu Reeves would be standing across from each other as the most prolific professional killers. As Eve, she matches John Wick’s brooding demeanor, exceeds his intensity, and ultimately is a perfect fit for the Wick Universe. She harbors the ideal balance of killer and care, and the combination makes for an exciting experience.

Ballerina releases in theaters on June 6, 2025. Stay safe and RIP Lance Reddick.

Rated: R Runtime: 2h 5m Director: Len Wiseman Writer: Shay Hatten Producer: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski Executive Producers: Keanu Reeves, Louise Rosner, Kevan Van Thompson, Kaley Smalley Romo, Shay Hatten Director of Photography: Romain Lacourbas, AFC, ASC Production Designer: Phil Ivey Editers: Nicholas Lundgren, Jason Ballantine ASE, ACE Costume Designer: Tina Kalivas Music by: Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard Stunt Coordinator: Jackson Spidell Supervising Stunt Coordinator: Stephen Dunlevy