Ballerina (2025) – JiCanWin.com Review
Rating: ★★★½ (3.5/5)
Director: Len Wiseman
Writer: Shay Hatten
Starring: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Anne Parillaud, Keanu Reeves
Opening Statement
It’s hard not to enjoy watching Ana de Armas glide between precision dance and precision gunfire for two hours. Truthfully, I was already halfway sold before stepping into the theater — but Ballerina doesn’t need that kind of bias. It’s a slick, high-energy addition to the John Wick universe that, while not topping any of the mainline films, proves there’s plenty of room to expand this world.
Plot Snapshot
Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a ballerina-turned-assassin seeking revenge for her father’s murder. Her quest takes her through an army of killers, layered under the shadows and style that define the Wick franchise.
Performance Highlights
- Ana de Armas – Brings elegance and deadly precision in equal measure, making Eve a believable and compelling force.
- Anjelica Huston – Commands the screen with grace and menace, grounding the film’s ballet-assassin aesthetic.
- Gabriel Byrne – Adds weight and intrigue to the supporting cast.
- Lance Reddick – In his final screen appearance, delivers quiet authority as always.
- Norman Reedus & Ian McShane – Bring texture and familiarity, seamlessly linking this to the main Wick timeline.
- Keanu Reeves – A welcome presence that ties the spin-off firmly to its roots.
Craft & Storytelling
The action choreography is as sharp and creative as you’d expect from this universe — no corners cut, no drop in quality from the mainline John Wick films. That said, a touch of moral complexity for Eve could have made the character arc more layered. As it stands, the film plays it safe, which isn’t a deal-breaker, but it leaves potential on the table.
Thematic Impact
Ballerina leans heavily into the visual poetry of movement and violence, but at its heart, it’s a simple revenge tale. It’s an expansion, not a reinvention — but the style, supporting cast, and world-building keep it engaging.
Final Thoughts
This spin-off feels so close in tone and execution to the main Wick films that you could slip it into the lineup without missing a beat. While it’s not rewriting the franchise rulebook, it’s a fun, stylish chapter that leaves me open to more.
JiCanWin.com Score: ★★★½
Verdict: Stylish, satisfying, and well-connected to the John Wick world — bring on more ballerinas.
