Ballerina (2025)

Ballerina, directed by Len Wiseman and released on June 6, 2025, dives deep into the John Wick universe, following Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a ballerina-turned-assassin trained by the Ruska Roma. Set between John Wick 3 and 4, the film chronicles her quest to avenge her father’s death at the hands of a sinister cult led by the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne)

💃 Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro

Ana de Armas transforms into a lethal yet graceful assassin. Critics acknowledge her magnetic screen presence, lauding her ability to blend poise with raw efficiency during fights . While some note her emotional range could have been deeper, especially in early moments reflecting trauma , her performance anchors the action and lends the film its power.

🔫 Action & Choreography

The action choreography is the real star:

Elaborate, stylishly violent set pieces—like gun-lantern battles—elevate the film’s rhythm and energy
A chaotic, punchy tavern fight adds unexpected humor and flair, infusing character through combat
Critics and cast (e.g., Norman Reedus) praised the precision and creativity woven into each sequence

Though exceptional and inventive, the visual spectacle occasionally overshadows narrative coherence.

🧩 Story & Narrative Depth

The plot follows a conventional revenge arc. Early sections detailing Eve’s childhood trauma do lend emotional weight, yet as the film switches into action mode, the storyline becomes secondary. Some critics argue that beyond the style and violence, the script lacks development:

Dialogue is serviceable but unmemorable .
Mid-backstretch pacing falters as it leans on Wick‑style tropes
Despite the thin storyline, the explosive final sequences in Hallstatt provide a strong enough emotional punch .

🎭 Franchise Tie‑Ins & Cameos

Keanu Reeves returns briefly as John Wick. His presence serves two functions:

A fan-service anchor, reinforcing the connection to the Wick universe.
A mirror for Eve’s journey—John urges her toward restraint, signaling a thematic tension around her agency .

Supporting roles by Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, and Lance Reddick add charm and flavor.

📊 Reception & Box Office

Critical reception: mixed-to-positive
- Rotten Tomatoes consensus praises de Armas and action choreography.
- Independent critics offer balanced perspectives:
  - “Halfway decent” but overshadowed by the Wick originals .
  - Some call it “style over substance,” yet acknowledge its visceral thrills .
Audience feedback:
- CinemaScore: A–; PostTrak: 87% positive.
- Twitter buzz: highlights constant action, de Armas' fierce performance, and hopes for more installments.
Box office:
- Budget: ~$90 M; global gross ≈ $57 M (≈$31 M North America, $26 M international).
- Modest earnings; needs significantly more (~$180 M) to break even.

✅ Pros & Cons

Strengths

Ana de Armas is a commanding lead—graceful, fierce, and engaging.
The action is dazzling, inventive, and full of personality .
Tone blends hyper‑stylized violence with flashes of dark humor—more playful than classic Wick films.

Weaknesses

The plot is overly familiar and sometimes forgettable.
Emotional depth is sacrificed in favor of visual spectacle.
John Wick’s presence supports but also subtly overshadows Eve’s solo arc.

🎯 Final Verdict

Ballerina earns a solid 7/10. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but when it works, it works beautifully:

A thrilling, female-led expansion of the Wickverse.
Spectacular action sequences laced with style and creativity.
Ana de Armas proves she can carry a major action franchise—her star power demands a sequel.

If you're searching for a cerebral character study, look elsewhere. But if you're in the mood for kinetic visuals, inventive fight choreography, and an empowered female assassin taking center stage, Ballerina delivers exactly what you expect—and then some.