In 2025, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina pirouettes its way into theaters, offering fans a tantalizing blend of bullet-ridden action and delicate choreography. Directed by Len Wiseman, this John Wick spinoff stars Ana de Armas as an assassin seeking vengeance, and it’s every bit as intense and stylish as fans of the franchise might hope. But does it bring anything new to the table, or is it just a high-kick in the same old shoes? Let’s find out.
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Director: Len Wiseman
Starring: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Norman Reedus, Anjelica Huston
A Dance of Death: The Plot
If you’ve been following the John Wick saga, you know it’s all about slick gunplay, mysterious underworlds, and improbable survival rates. Ballerina is no different, but with a twist—this time, our protagonist, Rooney (Ana de Armas), is a trained ballerina-turned-assassin. Think of it as Black Swan meets The Raid. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina gives us a deeper dive into the Ruska Roma, the shadowy ballet-meets-murder syndicate introduced in the earlier John Wick films.
Rooney’s quest is driven by revenge—because, as always, in this universe, the only thing that motivates a professional assassin is someone killing a loved one. Cue a lot of elegantly choreographed violence, brooding stares, and gun-fu. The plot is straightforward: find the people responsible for the tragedy and kill them in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible.
Ana de Armas: The Right Choice?
It’s fair to say that Ana de Armas is the star of the show, both figuratively and literally. Known for her performances in Knives Out and No Time to Die, de Armas brings both physicality and vulnerability to her role. Her transition from graceful ballerina to lethal killer is seamless, though it does leave us wondering—how many more times can Hollywood milk this “trained killer with a heart” trope?
De Armas’s fight choreography is a standout, and while she’s no stranger to action, this film gives her an opportunity to take center stage—pun intended. With her dynamic presence and sheer commitment, she makes every bullet-ridden ballet scene believable, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that she’s merely filling in a John Wick-shaped hole.
A Familiar World, But With Flair
For better or worse, Ballerina doesn’t stray too far from the formula that made John Wick a household name. Expect the same moody lighting, neon-soaked set pieces, and morally ambiguous characters pontificating about codes of honor. The difference? This time, it’s all done with a more feminine touch. That’s not to say the film is any less brutal—there are still more headshots than words spoken—but there’s an undeniable elegance to the carnage.
One of the most interesting elements is how the film dives into the enigmatic Ruska Roma, expanding the lore of the John Wick universe. Anjelica Huston reprises her role as “The Director,” further grounding the film in that cold, mysterious aesthetic. However, the expansion of the Ruska Roma mythology feels underexplored, as though the filmmakers are saving the juiciest bits for a possible sequel.
Keanu’s Cameo: A Passing Torch?
Yes, John Wick himself makes an appearance, albeit briefly. Keanu Reeves shows up as a mentor figure, but his role is little more than a glorified cameo—a tip of the hat to fans who might miss the stoic assassin. While it’s fun to see Wick pass the torch (or in this case, the Glock), the film wisely doesn’t try to make him the centerpiece. This is Ana’s show.
However, there’s an argument to be made that the movie leans a little too heavily on its John Wick heritage. While it’s set in the same universe, Ballerina doesn’t quite have its own identity, which could leave some viewers wishing it had taken more risks rather than retreading familiar territory with a different face.
The Action: Ballet with Bullets
The action sequences are undoubtedly the film’s highlight. Director Len Wiseman, known for Underworld, knows his way around stylized combat, and he delivers in spades. The fight scenes are fast, fluid, and often jaw-droppingly brutal. If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like for someone to turn a pirouette into a killing blow, Ballerina has you covered.
What sets these sequences apart from your typical action fare is the blend of grace and violence. Wiseman uses Rooney’s ballet training as a narrative and visual tool—there’s a certain beauty in how she moves, even when she’s dispatching enemies with cold precision. But while the film dazzles in its action choreography, it sometimes stumbles in its pacing, dragging in the moments between the bullets.
Cinematography & Visual Style
Visually, Ballerina sticks to the John Wick playbook: rain-soaked streets, neon lights, and dark, moody interiors. It’s a look that works for the world of assassins and secret societies, but it’s starting to feel a bit played out. If you’ve seen one shadowy assassin hideout, you’ve seen them all.
That said, there are moments of breathtaking beauty, particularly when the film contrasts the serene world of ballet with the chaotic violence of Rooney’s revenge quest. The juxtaposition of grace and brutality gives Ballerina a unique visual flair, even if the overall aesthetic feels overly familiar.
A Killer Soundtrack
Composers Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard return to deliver a soundtrack that complements the film’s tone perfectly. Pulsing, tense, and atmospheric, the score is a major player in the film, driving the action and heightening the stakes. It’s not quite as iconic as the John Wick themes, but it gets the job done.
The Verdict: Is Ballerina Worth the Hype?
Ultimately, Ballerina is an entertaining, if somewhat derivative, addition to the John Wick universe. It delivers exactly what fans of the franchise have come to expect—stylized violence, morally ambiguous characters, and a heavy dose of revenge—all wrapped up in a neat 120-minute package. Ana de Armas shines in the lead role, and the action is as impressive as ever, but the film struggles to carve out its own identity amidst the towering shadow of its predecessor.
For fans of John Wick, this is a must-see, offering more insight into the world they’ve come to love. For casual viewers, it’s a solid action flick, but don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel.
Conclusion
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina spins a familiar tale with grace and grit, carried by Ana de Armas’s strong performance. While it doesn’t stray too far from the well-worn path of its predecessor, it’s still an enjoyable ride through a world where every twirl could end with a bullet. Fans of the John Wick saga will find plenty to love, but those looking for something groundbreaking might be left wanting more.
FAQs
1. Is Ballerina connected to the John Wick films?
Yes, Ballerina is set in the John Wick universe and takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. Several characters from the original films, including John Wick himself, make appearances.
2. Who stars in Ballerina?
Ana de Armas takes the lead as Rooney, a ballerina-turned-assassin, with supporting roles from Keanu Reeves, Anjelica Huston, and Norman Reedus.
3. When is Ballerina being released?
The film is scheduled to hit theaters on June 6, 2025.
4. Does Keanu Reeves play a major role in the movie?
Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick, but his appearance is more of a cameo than a central part of the plot.
5. Is Ballerina worth watching?
If you’re a fan of the John Wick series or enjoy stylish, action-packed films, Ballerina is worth a watch. However, it doesn’t bring much new to the table in terms of story or themes.
