Ballerina, set in the deadly and stylish underworld of John Wick, expands the franchise by giving us a fresh perspective while keeping the same high-octane DNA intact. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film follows Rooney (Ana de Armas), a young assassin trained at the Ruska Roma ballet school, who seeks vengeance for her family’s murder.
The movie blends ballet discipline and assassin brutality, offering choreography that feels like a dance of death—graceful yet ruthless. Ana de Armas shines in the lead role, balancing vulnerability with lethal precision, and proves she can carry the action torch with elegance.
Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick in an extended cameo, giving fans a thrilling crossover while ensuring the focus remains on Rooney’s journey. Familiar faces from the Wick-verse—Anjelica Huston, Ian McShane, and Lance Reddick—strengthen the continuity, making the film feel like a natural extension rather than a spin-off.
Visually, Ballerina delivers the neon-soaked, noir-inspired aesthetic the series is known for. The action sequences are tightly shot, blending martial arts, gun-fu, and balletic movement in innovative ways. While the story follows a classic revenge arc, the emotional depth and strong performance from De Armas keep it engaging.
6.9/10 – IMDB
76% – Rotten Tomatoes