The film immediately grabs attention with its stylish premise: the keyword appears right in the first paragraph to boost SEO. It opens with a powerful introduction, showing a 12-year-old Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) witnessing the brutal murder of her father — a prologue that combines visceral violence and symbolism, using the metaphor of ballet music and the contrast between a sweet soundtrack and blood on the stage.
Ballerina – Set in the John Wick Universe
From the very beginning, this contrast prepares the audience for something far more layered than a simple revenge thriller. The tension builds gradually, introducing the dark Ruska Roma organization, which trains young girls with dance discipline and deadly combat skills. The visual aesthetic is captivating from the start: cold tones, dotted lighting, and choreography that feels almost theatrical.
Within the first 15 minutes, the pacing already suggests a development that balances flashbacks and training sequences — all punctuated by brief dialogues that establish the rules of the Wick universe. Expectations are set: this will be a film that blends elegance and brutality, likely to captivate action fans and audiences seeking strong female leads.
Plot: A story wrapped in action and mystery
The plot of Ballerina follows Eve’s journey, from a traumatic childhood to a trained assassin driven by the pursuit of justice. Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film cleverly uses its timeline to weave in connections with iconic characters like Winston and John Wick.
The narrative follows a classic revenge arc but with a carefully structured rhythm: the first act focuses on Eve’s origins, her training under the enigmatic Director, and the clear establishment of her objective. As the story progresses, pieces begin to fall into place with the identification of a group of mercenaries linked to her father’s murder, igniting the central conflict. The transition into action scenes gains momentum as Eve begins tracking clues, revealing the full scope of the Ruska Roma underworld.
By the third act, the pace ramps up dramatically — the confrontations come in quick succession, delivering brutal and stylized choreography. There are moments to breathe, such as a snowy restaurant sequence that stands among the franchise’s best. Though the storyline has gaps — with some attacks feeling repetitive — the editing and flow keep the viewer deeply immersed.
Ultimately, the climax takes place in a European village, the setting for a group battle mixing physical humor and explosive action — it’s where the narrative tension peaks, echoing the highs and lows of previous franchise entries. What could have been just another revenge film becomes a frantic and visually engaging sequence that holds your attention to the very last shot.
A Star-Studded cast that will surprise you
The cast of Ballerina is one of its strongest assets. Ana de Armas shines as Eve Macarro: lethal and graceful, she portrays a powerful assassin — her physical and emotional performance gives real depth to the protagonist. The actress finds a delicate balance between the grace of ballet and the ferocity of a fighter, delivering a character that rises above the typical revenge trope.
Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick in brief yet memorable appearances, bringing that nostalgic authority only his character can offer. His role functions more as a narrative anchor than a lead presence, but his impact remains significant.
Ian McShane, reprising his role as Winston, brings his calm demeanor and ambiguous intentions. His appearance strengthens the link to the universe, legitimizing Eve’s mission. Meanwhile, Anjelica Huston, as the Director, offers charisma and mystery, portraying a cold mentor deeply embedded in the dark Ruska Roma world.
The main antagonist, known only as the Chancellor, is convincing with his aristocratic and silent demeanor. Norman Reedus has a short but impactful role, serving as both an emotional hook and a narrative pivot. Lance Reddick, bidding farewell to his franchise journey, delivers a dignified and emotionally charged final performance.
What to expect from the Film (No Spoilers)
The aesthetic of Ballerina is a marriage between noir style and modern visual elements. The cinematography maintains a cold palette, with carefully lit scenes that highlight shadows and silhouettes. The setting moves between the elegant corridors of the Continental, grim dance academies, and cold, minimalist European streets — creating an atmosphere akin to a theater of light and blood.
The soundtrack follows the franchise’s emotional lineage, with tense orchestral tones, pulsing electronic beats, and moments of dramatic silence. This sonic contrast enhances the action scenes, amplifying the emotional impact of each blow.
Moreover, the sound design is carefully crafted with dry gunshots, quick footsteps, and tense breathing — all contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Visually, the film leans into stylization, with edits that mirror dance movements, directly reflecting the way Eve fights and moves.
A Familiar Feeling… In a Good Way
Ballerina draws heavily from the John Wick series, inheriting the “Gun Fu” style — choreographed violence, improvised weapons, and fluid long-form combat. The snowy restaurant sequence and the group fights echo physical comedy classics like Buster Keaton, albeit within a much darker and more stylized context.
At times, the film resembles the Underworld franchise, especially in how it blends dark mythology with rhythmic fight choreography. There are even touches of black humor and exaggerated violence reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s direction, although the tone here is more restrained.
There are also hints of Mission: Impossible, particularly in the training sequences, and spy-thriller elements with codes, passports, and secret networks. Still, Ballerina maintains a distinct personality — despite some narrative shortcomings, the visual appeal and strong cast keep the experience compelling to the end.
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To wrap up, Ballerina might not reinvent the action genre, but it fulfills its purpose effectively. A compelling lead, breathtaking sequences, impactful visuals, and strong franchise ties make it a worthwhile experience for fans and newcomers alike.
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