Ana de Armas takes center stage in Ballerina, the latest spinoff of the John Wick franchise, delivering a dynamic performance that expands the series’ dark, action-packed universe. While Keanu Reeves returns as the legendary assassin “Baba Yaga,” it is de Armas who commands the spotlight in this high-energy thriller directed by Len Wiseman.
Ballerina (rated R; in theaters June 6) follows Eve Macarro (de Armas), a dancer-turned-assassin driven by revenge. After witnessing her father’s murder as a child, Eve trains within the Ruska Roma crime syndicate, led by the stern Director (Anjelica Huston), who also mentored John Wick. Her mission to eliminate a nightclub full of enemies reveals a chilling connection to the cult responsible for her father’s death, headed by the ruthless Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), who abducts children for sport.
Defying orders from the Director, Eve embarks on a personal quest that spans from the neon-lit clubs of New York City to a snow-covered Austrian village, confronting deadly foes along the way. Set between John Wick 3 and 4, the film delves into Eve’s defiance and the consequences she faces, enriching her character while offering new insights into Wick’s enigmatic past. The tense chemistry between de Armas and Reeves, particularly in their combat scenes, adds further depth.
Building on the franchise’s reputation for innovative action sequences, Ballerina showcases Eve’s resourcefulness as she turns everyday objects—remote controls, dinner plates, ice skates, and firehoses—into lethal weapons. The film’s standout moment is a thrilling flamethrower shootout that highlights de Armas’ fierce presence.
Director Len Wiseman, known for his work on Underworld and the Total Recall reboot, delivers his strongest effort yet, blending neo-noir aesthetics with sharp, impactful dialogue that fits the series’ gritty tone. Although some symbolic elements—such as Eve’s biblical name and her search for truth—are somewhat heavy-handed, they align with genre conventions.
Franchise veterans Ian McShane and Lance Reddick reprise their roles as Winston and Charon, with Reddick’s warm performance serving as a notable final appearance. Norman Reedus also joins as Daniel Pine, a former cult member who teams up with Eve, hinting at potential future storylines.
De Armas proves once again her star-making capability, previously glimpsed in No Time to Die, as she carries Ballerina with confidence and intensity. Rather than seeking a female counterpart to James Bond or John Wick, audiences can now appreciate Eve Macarro’s own thrilling journey, with hopes for more films centered on this compelling new heroine.
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