No one asked for a John Wick movie (mostly) without John Wick. And yet, Ballerina makes a strong case for why this universe might just survive without Keanu Reeves’ terse, suit-clad poster boy.
Spinoffs are tricky, especially when they orbit a character as singular as John Wick. Since 2014, the franchise has built an entire mythology around Reeves’ grief-stricken Baba Yaga, a man of few words and many, many weapons.
But with Chapter 5 potentially closing the book on his blood-soaked journey, the focus has shifted to expanding the world he’ll leave behind – a world where violence is art and vengeance is ritual.
Enter Eve, Ana de Armas’ ballerina assassin raised by the same Ruska Roma syndicate that molded Wick himself. While the new movie doesn’t quite match the story of its predecessors, when the blades are flying and the bullets are dancing, it delivers exactly what it promises: beautiful, balletic carnage.
What is Ballerina about?
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Eve (Armas), a graduate of the Ruska Roma’s brutal ballerina-assassin training program, on a revenge mission tied to her tragic past.
When she recognizes a mark on a target’s wrist – the same one seen on those who murdered her father – she spirals into a bloody pursuit involving cults, bounty hunters, and a whole town full of killers.
While Eve is the main star here, the OG gang make an appearance in one way or another; Reeves’ Baba Yaga, Ian McShane’s Winston, and even Lance Reddick’s Charon in a posthumous appearance.
But the action is the star here – and it’s tremendous. Epic flamethrower showdowns, wince-inducing ice skate blows, and more stabs and shots than you can shake a bloodied fist at, the kills are as creative as they are absurd.
From the John Wick school of violence
With its prolific, elaborate fight sequences, Ballerina fits squarely into the John Wick universe, and in some instances, it takes things even further – one notable death is so violent, it edges into Quentin Tarantino territory (you’ll know it when you see it).
Although Chad Stahelski steps back from the director’s chair, serving as producer this time around, his influence is undeniable. The fluid action that defines the franchise is alive and well, sharpened further by director Len Wiseman’s flair for high-concept spectacle.
The choreography is where it all comes together. Together with the 87Eleven team – long-time architects of the franchise’s most memorable fights – they craft set-pieces that are both vicious and graceful, with Armas not missing one beat.
This isn’t the only way Ballerina lets you know it’s a John Wick film. Visually, it mirrors the stylized aesthetic of its predecessors. The camera moves with kinetic purpose, while stark, contrasting lighting and a purple-pink palette nods to the criminal underworld in which it’s set.
The story loses its balance
LionsgateWhat Ballerina lacks, however, is a story that can keep up with its choreography. Despite the film’s non-stop momentum, the plot feels both too busy and too boring, with a lot of moving parts that never quite click.
The John Wick films are outlandish, yes, but they’re grounded in simple, effective motivations – John’s dog, his grief, his rules. Ballerina tries to echo this with Eve’s vendetta, but races through exposition and side characters too quickly to build real connections.
John Wick: Chapter 3’s Continental siege, for instance, worked not just for its action, but because it carried the weight of three films’ worth of alliances and lore. Ballerina doesn’t have that foundation – its fights look great, but without deeper context, even the most outrageous moments can start to blur together.
This hurts the characters, too. Catalina Sandino Moreno’s Lena and Norman Reedus’ Pine are intriguing but underdeveloped. Gabriel Byrne’s Chancellor is a strong villain, but again, his presence is more of an idea than a fully fleshed-out threat.
Then you’ve got all the others to think about: Winston, the Director (Anjelica Huston), Charon, and, of course, John Wick himself. There are simply too many characters jostling for screen time.
One Wick, many strong performances
LionsgateAs for Reeves’ brief appearance as Wick, here’s the kicker: it essentially highlights what’s missing from the film. Not every assassin can command the screen like the Boogeyman. There are countless Eves, but there’s only one John Wick.
That’s not to totally discredit the character. It’s refreshing to see a female assassin written with such complexity. Eve isn’t hyper-sexualised or glibly “strong” – she’s broken yet resilient.
Armas sells every moment, both in combat and in quieter, emotional beats. She’s an action star through and through, slicing through stunt sequences with complete conviction.
Byrne brings the same simmering menace he had in End of Days and The Usual Suspects, Reedus does well with what he’s given, and while McShane can play Winston in his sleep at this point, his dry charm is always welcome.
Finally, a heartfelt nod to Reddick, whose posthumous appearance as Charon is handled with real care. Fans disappointed by his abrupt exit in John Wick 4 will be pleased to know he gets a far more fitting send-off here.
These performances elevate the movie, alongside its killer fight sequences and visual style. If what you’re after is action – and lots of it – Ballerina delivers. It may stumble when it comes to story, but damn if it isn’t fun to watch.
Ballerina review score: 3/5 – Good
There’s no mistaking Ballerina for anything but a John Wick movie. From the neon-drenched lighting to the bone-crunching, blood-splattered fight sequences, this spinoff makes itself at home in the franchise.
It’s slick, violent, and stylish – sometimes excessively so. The narrative may lack focus, and the ensemble might be overstuffed, but there’s no denying the film’s technical craft. The action scenes are many, and they’re masterfully choreographed.
Ballerina may not have the soul of the John Wick saga, but it sure knows how to pirouette through chaos.
Ballerina arrives in cinemas on June 6, 2025. You can also read everything we know about John Wick 5, why Baby Yaga isn’t actually dead, and other new movies to watch this month.
For more information on how we score TV shows and movies, check out our scoring guidelines here.
