The John Wick universe expands with Ballerina, a gritty spin-off that centers on Eve Macarro (played by Ana de Armas), a ballerina-turned-assassin trained by the Ruska Roma. Directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard), the film delivers pulse-pounding action while exploring the emotional weight of vengeance.
*Set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, Ballerina follows Eve as she seeks revenge for her family’s murder. The film navigates the criminal underworld familiar to fans, with a brief appearance by Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Wick. However, the spotlight belongs to de Armas, whose physical intensity and screen presence bring depth to her character.
While the critical response has been mixed, de Armas’s performance is widely praised. Deadline’s Gregory Nussen remarks, “The first act is especially clunky and expository,” but highlights the film’s engaging action: “De Armas is too good; her performance elevates the film beyond the fray.”
Action and Direction: The Core Strengths
USA Today’s Brian Truitt emphasizes the dynamic fight scenes: “There’s less of Reeves’ signature gun fu and more of de Armas creatively using random objects against foes.” Truitt also commends Wiseman’s direction, calling Ballerina his best action effort to date.
Variety’s Owen Gleiberman describes it as “ultraviolent, pulpy, and entertaining,” asserting that it’s a solid addition to the ever-growing Netflix action franchise universe—even if he questions the overall importance of the John Wick canon.
A Divisive Narrative Experience
Critics are less united when it comes to the film’s pacing and narrative cohesion. Rolling Stone’s David Fear argues that the story feels like “a Wick-ipedia sub-entry ambitiously pumped up to main-event status.” Similarly, Entertainment Weekly’s Jordan Hoffman criticizes the movie’s disjointed structure: “The first half is a witless slog… but midway through, the film finds its rhythm with stunning choreography and newfound creativity.”
Despite its flaws, Ballerina offers fans of the Wick franchise a fresh yet familiar experience—one that leans heavily on visceral action, visual flair, and the undeniable charisma of its lead actress.
Ballerina premieres in theaters on June 6.
