By Pavethran Batmanathan,
Ana de Armas finally steps into the spotlight as a full-fledged action lead in Ballerina, the latest spin-off from the John Wick universe. Known for her roles in No Time to Die and The Gray Man, Armas delivers a powerful performance as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin on a mission for vengeance. While her portrayal is sharp and compelling, the film around her doesn’t quite live up to her intensity.
Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Eve as she seeks revenge on the Cult that murdered her father. Raised and trained by the Ruska Roma in New York under the Director (Anjelica Huston) and Nogi (Sharon Duncan-Brewster), Eve grows into a deadly force over twelve years. When her path crosses again with the Cult, led by the menacing Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), she embarks on a bloody journey that reconnects her with the wider John Wick universe, including appearances from Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (the late Lance Reddick), and John Wick himself.
Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten (John Wick: Chapters 3 & 4), the film excels in stylish action. Standout sequences like a brutal fight inside The Continental and a snowy village showdown showcase inventive choreography and fast-paced brutality. However, it’s Eve’s personal growth that grounds the mayhem. Her mentor encourages her to use her agility and precision rather than brute force, and we see her evolve from outmatched rookie to confident killer, especially in a standout fight in an ammunition store.
Armas brings depth to Eve, portraying her with a mix of vulnerability and resolve. Her wide-eyed performance contrasts nicely with the hyper-violent world around her. Symbolism like a ballerina toy and Latin tattoos subtly highlight her inner struggle, torn between destiny and desire for freedom.
But despite Armas’ brilliance, Ballerina stumbles. In trying to serve both as a faithful extension of John Wick and its own story, it ends up feeling somewhat shallow. Unlike the original series, which built emotional weight over four films, Ballerina rushes through relationships and motivations. Supporting characters like Winston and the Director make appearances but feel underused, with exchanges that often come off as hollow.
While the action dazzles in the moment, think flamethrowers, ice-skating shoes as weapons, and close-range grenade tosses, it lacks the lingering impact of John Wick’s emotionally-driven carnage. The world feels conveniently constructed to prop up the protagonist, undermining the stakes.
Ballerina isn’t without merit. It’s stylish, fast, and offers a refreshing female lead who doesn’t live in John Wick’s shadow. Yet, it never quite finds its own soul. As a chapter in the John Wick saga, it entertains. As a standalone story, it leaves you wishing for more depth and ambition.
