Ana de Armas Dazzles in Ballerina – A Fierce and Elegant Expansion of the John Wick Universe

Ana de Armas takes center stage in Ballerina (2025), a revenge thriller that marries elegance with deadly precision. With stylish action, solid performances, and a captivating lead, the film earns 4.5 out of 5 stars.

By Saivya Singh 12 Jun 2025 in film

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Ana de Armas Dazzles in Ballerina – A Fierce and Elegant Expansion of the John Wick Universe.

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Starring: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Keanu Reeves (cameo)
Director: Len Wiseman
Producer: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski
Music Director: Marco Beltrami
Cinematographer: Shane Hurlbut
Editor: Andrew Mondshein

Ballerina, the latest installment in the John Wick cinematic universe, spins a new tale of vengeance, beauty, and brutal precision. Directed by Len Wiseman and set between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, the film introduces Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a former ballerina turned assassin on a deadly mission to avenge her father’s death.

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What We Loved

Ana de Armas’s performance is magnetic — graceful in motion, fierce in action, and emotionally grounded.
Action sequences are choreographed like a deadly ballet, providing a fresh take on combat in the John Wick universe.
Cinematography blends dark, operatic visuals with stylistic elegance, adding atmosphere and depth.
Keanu Reeves’s cameo is brief but impactful, offering continuity and fan service without overshadowing the lead.

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What We Liked

The film expands the lore of the John Wick world with new factions and fresh backstory.
Supporting roles, especially Anjelica Huston as The Director, add gravity and intrigue.
The score by Marco Beltrami blends orchestral elegance with tension-driving motifs.

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What We Missed

Some characters and plot threads feel underdeveloped, particularly the antagonist’s motivations.
The emotional beats, while present, take a back seat to stylized action.
Dialogue in some scenes leans a bit too heavily on exposition.

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Climax (Spoiler-Free)

The climax delivers a visually stunning and emotionally charged showdown that combines Eve’s refined training with her raw need for justice. The final confrontation feels personal, cinematic, and in line with the tone of the broader franchise — a ballet of bullets, pain, and closure.

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Conclusion

Ballerina stands tall among franchise spin-offs by offering more than just action — it delivers style, character, and world-building with grace. Ana de Armas proves herself as a formidable action lead, and director Len Wiseman’s eye for rhythm and violence adds a unique tone. Despite minor narrative gaps, this is a thrilling, elegant addition to the John Wick saga.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Highly recommended for fans of action cinema and the Wick universe alike.

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