Movie Review: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Ballerina is not just a spin-off—it’s a ballet of blood, grief, and resilience. Set in the deadly universe bwo99 login of John Wick, this sleek, atmospheric film builds its own narrative momentum while honoring the gun-fu legacy that came before. Led by a magnetic Ana de Armas, Ballerina pirouettes between grace and violence with impressive control.
🎬 Plot Overview
Taking place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a young ballerina-turned-assassin trained by the Ruska Roma syndicate. After her father is murdered by a ritualistic cult, Eve seeks answers and vengeance, only to uncover a deeper conspiracy rooted in her own lineage. Along the way, she crosses paths with familiar characters like Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick), and of course, John Wick himself (Keanu Reeves)—who at one point is ordered to kill her.
🎭 Performances
Ana de Armas is a revelation. She brings quiet intensity, physicality, and sorrow to the role of Eve. It’s not just another revenge tale—her performance gives Eve emotional stakes that elevate the narrative. Reeves delivers a welcome cameo that adds weight without overshadowing the lead. Anjelica Huston reprises her role as the mysterious Director, while Gabriel Byrne turns in a chilling performance as the film’s antagonist, the Chancellor.
🩰 Action Meets Art
What makes Ballerina distinct is its blend of balletic elegance and brutal action. Director Len Wiseman, along with John Wick mastermind Chad Stahelski (who handled reshoots), fuses the disciplined movements of dance with high-octane combat choreography. From sniper duets in snowy Austrian villages to a candle-lit knife fight in a rehearsal hall, the film constantly marries beauty with carnage.
The cinematography—bathed in neo-noir blues, candlelight, and shadow—feels like a living oil painting. Each set piece feels handcrafted, and the film’s rhythm mimics a ballet performance, with highs, lulls, and a striking crescendo.
🎼 Sound & Style
Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard’s score is atmospheric and haunting, mixing orchestral swells with ambient electronics. It supports the film’s themes of loss, identity, and freedom. Costume and set design are also top-tier, reflecting the stylized world Wick fans love, while giving Eve her own visual language—gritty elegance.
🔍 Themes & Subtext
Beyond the bullets and ballet, Ballerina is a story about autonomy. Eve fights to take control of her life, no longer willing to be a pawn in anyone’s war. The film also explores grief—not just for lost family, but for stolen identity, fractured loyalty, and a childhood shaped by violence.
🧐 Criticisms
The plot can feel thin at times, relying on tropes we’ve seen before—revenge, hidden lineage, betrayal. Some dialogue is overly expository, and a few supporting characters aren’t given enough development. However, these are minor flaws in an otherwise focused and visually arresting film.
🗺️ Expanding the John Wick Universe
Ballerina succeeds where many spin-offs fail: it expands the world without imitating the original. It introduces new corners of the High Table mythos and paves the way for future stories without diluting what made Wick’s journey compelling.
🔚 Final Thoughts
With Ballerina, the John Wick universe pirouettes into new territory. It’s stylish, emotional, and anchored by a star-making turn from Ana de Armas. If you’re here for elegant vengeance, expertly choreographed action, and a fresh take on an established world, Ballerina is well worth the ticket.
✅ Pros:
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Ana de Armas’s commanding lead performance
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Stunning visuals and unique action choreography
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Emotional depth and a strong female lead
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Seamless integration with John Wick lore
❌ Cons:
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Occasionally predictable plot
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Some underdeveloped side characters
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Slight pacing issues in Act II
Verdict: A graceful yet gritty expansion of the Wick universe—Ballerina proves the franchise has plenty of fresh blood and story to offer.