Ballerina: A John Wick Story – A Gritty, High-Voltage Expansion of the Wickverse
Ballerina: A John Wick Story is a thrilling spin-off that extends the rich mythos of the John Wick franchise. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film introduces a new protagonist, Eve Macarro, portrayed by Ana de Armas. After her father is brutally murdered, Eve embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance that leads her deep into the underworld of trained assassins, specifically through the deadly and disciplined halls of the Ruska Roma ballet-academy-turned-assassin-training-ground.
Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, Ballerina balances the signature hyper-stylized action of the Wick series with a more intimate, character-driven story. The film’s cinematography leans heavily into the aesthetic legacy of the franchise—neon lighting, gothic architecture, and brutal choreography—but carves its own path by focusing more on emotional stakes. Eve is not just another killer; she is a daughter seeking justice, a woman reclaiming her identity in a world that sees people as weapons.
Ana de Armas delivers a powerful performance, bringing both vulnerability and cold-blooded intensity to the role. Her physicality is striking, and she handles the demanding action scenes with ease, having reportedly undergone intense combat and weapons training. Her portrayal evolves throughout the film—from a haunted ballerina to a lethal force of retribution. This transformation anchors the story and lends it heart, even as the bullets fly and bodies drop.
The supporting cast adds significant depth. Keanu Reeves makes a key appearance as John Wick himself, acting as both a narrative bridge and a spiritual mentor. His screen time is limited but meaningful. Anjelica Huston returns as the Director, further grounding the story in the familiar world of the High Table. Ian McShane as Winston, the late Lance Reddick as Charon, and new faces like Norman Reedus and Gabriel Byrne help flesh out the evolving Wickverse.
The action sequences in Ballerina are meticulously choreographed, ranging from hand-to-hand combat to explosive shootouts. A standout sequence includes a tense fight through a snow-covered European village and a flamethrower battle inside an abandoned church, all shot with sleek precision. The music, composed by Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard, pulses with tension and rhythm, matching the movie’s relentless pacing.
While some critics noted that the film does not delve deeply into the broader mythology of the High Table, most praised its visceral energy, striking visuals, and De Armas’s magnetic screen presence. Ballerina embraces the DNA of the John Wick series but doesn’t shy away from forging its own identity. It’s a story of revenge, yes, but also of agency, loss, and transformation.
In summary, Ballerina is a stylish, emotionally charged, and action-packed expansion of the John Wick universe. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it successfully introduces a compelling new character and lays the groundwork for future spin-offs. With its gripping lead performance and explosive set pieces, Ballerina proves itself a worthy addition to the franchise.
