From the World of John Wick: Ballerina – The Wickverse’s Ferocious New Star

Ana de Armas leaps into the action-packed world of John Wick with From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, a stylish spinoff that blends ballet, bullets, and revenge into a thrilling, if occasionally uneven, cinematic experience. Set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film follows Eve Macarro, a young woman seeking vengeance for her father’s murder, who is transformed into a deadly assassin under the tutelage of the Ruska Roma crime syndicate.

Plot and Characters

Eve’s journey begins with tragedy: she witnesses her father’s death at the hands of a mysterious cult and is subsequently rescued by Winston Scott (Ian McShane), the proprietor of the New York Continental. Taken in by the Ruska Roma, she is molded into a ballerina-assassin by the enigmatic Director (Anjelica Huston). Over a dozen years of brutal training, Eve evolves into a lethal operative, eventually crossing paths with John Wick (Keanu Reeves), who warns her against the path of vengeance but ultimately aids her in her quest.

The film’s plot is straightforward—Eve seeks revenge, uncovers family secrets, and battles her way through a cult of assassins—but it’s elevated by inventive action sequences and a strong performance from de Armas. The supporting cast, including Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine and Gabriel Byrne as the Chancellor, adds depth and intrigue to the Wickiverse’s ever-expanding mythology.

Action and Style

Ballerina delivers exactly what fans expect from the franchise: relentless, creative, and visually stunning action. Ana de Armas’ Eve fights with a scrappy, unpredictable style, using everything from flamethrowers to improvised weapons, making each set piece feel fresh and exhilarating. While some critics note that the action occasionally borders on the absurd, especially in the film’s explosive third act, most agree that the choreography and stunt work are top-notch.

The film’s aesthetic is as polished as its combat. The contrast between the elegance of ballet and the brutality of assassination is striking, and the cinematography—especially in scenes set in Hallstatt and Prague is gorgeous.

Critical and Audience Reception

Critics have generally praised Ballerina for its action and de Armas’ performance, while acknowledging that it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the original John Wick films. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 75% approval rating, with the consensus highlighting its “creatively brutal action choreography and a pleasingly kooky origin story”1. Metacritic assigns a score of 59 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews.

Audiences, however, have embraced the film more warmly. CinemaScore awarded it an “A–,” and PostTrak reported an 87% positive score, with 79% of viewers saying they would definitely recommend it. On IMDb, Ballerina currently holds a user rating of 7.3 out of 10 based on over 24,000 votes.

Our Rating : 4 out of 5 stars

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a worthy addition to the franchise, offering a fresh perspective and plenty of action. While it may not surpass the original John Wick films in terms of depth or originality, it stands on its own as an entertaining and visually spectacular ride.

IMDb Rating : 7.3/10