ANA DE ARMAS DELIVERS IN BALLERINA, THE JOHN WICK SPIN-OFF WITH A KILLER EDGE

A Spoiler Free(ish) Review of “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina”

A spin-off from the John Wick universe, Ballerina is a classic revenge tale centred on Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a young assassin on a mission of vengeance. Equal parts stylised action and full throttle thrills, the film offers a fresh take on the franchise by placing a flawed, ferocious and feminine lead at its core.

Ballerina is visually striking and is directed by Len Wiseman, who’s best known for directing the Underworld franchise as well as the sci-fi feature Total Recall (2012) and the series Lucifer (2016). The vivid, sleek framing and tight editing make for an unforgettable viewing experience. The music, composed by Joel J. Richard and Tyler Bates, is electric - a pulse pounding score that threads each fight scene together, pausing long enough for a breath and emotional rest bite before launching straight back into the fray.

Ana De Armas as Eve in “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)” (Coutesy of Lionsgate)

The action is the biggest selling point for this franchise, and Ana De Armas delivers. She commands the screen and is magnetic in motion; appearing graceful, funny, gritty, unpredictable. However, Eve is not superhuman. She's not invincible, nor is she a prime and perfect action machine. In fact, she “fights like a girl”. She takes a beating, she bleeds, she struggles, and that physical vulnerability makes her genuinely compelling to root for. And it’s this realism that adds weight to every hit she takes.

Keanu Reeves as John Wick in “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)” (Coutesy of Lionsgate)

There’s fair criticism around the flatness of the writing and the underwhelming villains, which I can’t deny. Personally, I would’ve loved more time with Eve the person, not just the assassin. Her emotional arc was under baked and could’ve been deeper, with clearer character development. However, Ana De Armas did so much with so little, giving us a kickass experience, that I honestly have a newfound adoration for her. I just know fans of the John Wick franchise will no doubt feel the same – especially as the film is littered with callbacks, world building and Keanu Reeves cameos.

But if action isn’t your typical thing there’s still lots to enjoy, as long as you’re not too squeamish around blood, bones breaking, and gnarly killshots. A film for gore lovers, Ballerina delivers some of the most brutal and visceral kills I’ve seen since Terrifier 3 (2024). For one thing, Eve’s got a fondness for grenades and flamethrowers…

Ana De Armas as Eve in “From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025)” (Coutesy of Lionsgate)

Yes, it’s not realistic and you have to suspend disbelief but who cares? I promise that once you do, it’s an absolute joy ride. It’s a propulsive film that offers unrelenting action that’ll have you STRESSED-TF-OUT for our girl Eve. The film unleashes an arsenal of every weapon imaginable to bring you the most inventive and jaw dropping battles you’ll see this year; some of which are reminiscent of the elemental showdowns of Avatar: The Last Airbender and the dynamic fight choreography of classic Jet Li films. When the action sequences are this epic, it’s easy to get swept up in the spectacle and I love it here! Ballerina is not without its flaws, but as an action film, it’s damn near perfect.

“From the World of John Wick: Ballerina” is out Friday 6th June across the UK and USA.