Is it bad if I say I enjoyed Ballerina more than all the John Wick movies combined? Because honestly, I did.
While I’ve watched every John Wick film (I was forced to), they never fully clicked with me the way Ballerina just did. Maybe it’s the fresh energy Ana de Armas brings or the insane action choreography; either way, I was locked in.
Set during John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the story follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), a ballerina-turned-assassin trained in the Ruska Roma traditions.
Yes, it’s another revenge plot (her father was murdered, and now she seeks revenge), but I was genuinely hooked, not just by the sleek fight choreography, but by Ana herself. This was the first film I’ve seen of hers, despite her being everywhere and wow! Now I get the hype.
She’s fierce, graceful, and totally badass in the best way possible. Imagine a mix of deadly grace and pure vengeance, wrapped up in one emotionally scarred woman. Ana absolutely kills it, literally and figuratively.
I do wish they leaned more into the “ballerina” style in the fight choreography, though. There were hints of it, but not enough. Still, those sequences were brutal, stunning, and she totally nailed it.
And the flamethrower scene??? That entire third-act moment had me gagged. If I ever end up in a life-or-death situation, please let me have that flamethrower, like for emergencies, of course. It was ridiculous and over-the-top in the best way.
The whole climax, set in some remote European village where apparently everyone is trained to kill, was so extra, and I loved every second.
That’s also where Keanu Reeves properly comes in. He makes a solid appearance as John Wick, adding that familiar quiet intensity we all love. His scenes are brief, yet effective, and they tie everything together nicely within the John Wick universe.
Though I will say, something about his dialogue delivery felt off this time? A little distracting, but not a dealbreaker.
Overall, the story is pretty simple. I felt like Eve’s reunion with her sister felt rushed and didn’t really land emotionally like I thought it would.
Also, it could’ve been shorter, but it’s an absolutely amazing female-led action film. The choreography was clean, creative, and intense and completely delivers on its action promise.
So yeah, Ballerina isn’t just “from the world of John Wick.” I’m ready for a sequel. Would rewatch for the flamethrower scene alone lol!
Our rating – 4/5
