By: Quinn Que
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina succeeds as both a worthy addition to the beloved action franchise and a compelling standalone thriller. Writer Shay Hatten has crafted an exciting revenge tale based on the larger universe by Derek Kolstad, with director Len Wiseman executing mostly well on the blueprints laid out for him. The film, anchored by Ana de Armas’s fierce and nuanced performance as Eve Macarro, is a fun ride. Though it occasionally misses a step, the overall result is proof that this universe has room for new blood.
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, the film follows Eve Macaro, a trained assassin struggling to balance her commitment to rules with a thirst for vengeance. Raised and trained by the Ruska Roma after being orphaned, Eve’s quest for retribution leads her from the familiar halls of the Continental to various international locales. The story weaves personal stakes with the franchise’s larger mythology, creating a revenge narrative that feels both intimate and epic in scope.
De Armas delivers a powerhouse performance that balances vulnerability with brutal efficiency, making Eve a believable new hero that is still learning and sometimes overmatched in this world. The standout action sequences include a breathtaking fight scene in Prague’s Continental that showcases Eve’s unique combat style, blending dance-like movements with deadly precision. Gabriel Byrne brings sinister certitude to his role as the villainous The Chancellor, while returning characters like Anjelica Huston’s as The Director and Keanu Reeves’ Wick provide a nice mix of continuity and gravitas in their limited but essential screen time.
This universe, which started with the first John Wick film written by Derek Kolstsad and directed by Chad Stahelski, has been expanded by Ballerina screenwriter Shay Hatten. The Ballerina scribe first joined the franchise with contributions to both Parabellum and Chapter 4 and he demonstrates his deep understanding of the franchise’s mythology here. The Ballerina script successfully balances dialogue with physicality, making the exposition flow better than lesser action films. Though the third act strains credulity at times, it’s generally a good story. Director Len Wiseman, known for his work on the Underworld series, brings a visual flair that complements the franchise’s established aesthetic while introducing his own touches, particularly in the atmospheric sequences set in Hallstatt’s snow-covered streets. As well, his direction of the actors is a seamless next step from how Chad Stahelski handled characters in the originals.
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina proves that the John Wick universe has the depth and flexibility to support compelling spin-offs when handled with care and respect for the source material. While it may not reach the heights of the original trilogy, it offers enough stylish action, emotional stakes and world-building to satisfy both franchise devotees and newcomers alike. For fans of the series and action thriller enthusiasts, this one should be worth the price of admission.