The title Ballerina: From the World of John Wick sounds like a fairy tale mixed with action. However, that’s intentional. The film replaces graceful dance with brutal combat. Flamethrowers, samurai swords, and bloodshed take center stage.

A Story Set Between Two John Wick Films

The film takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4. Ana de Armas plays Eve Macarro, a ballerina turned assassin. She wears pointe shoes but carries deep trauma. The film tries to add emotion and a female perspective to the franchise. At times, it works. But often, it copies earlier Wick-style chaos.

A Tragic Beginning

At the start, young Eve watches her father get murdered by a cult. Their cold leader, the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), leads the attack. Soon after, Winston (Ian McShane) rescues her. He takes her to the Ruska Roma. It looks like a ballet school but secretly trains assassins. The powerful Director (Anjelica Huston) runs it with strict discipline.

Eve trains in both ballet and combat. She learns to kill with grace. She even turns ice skates into deadly weapons. As time passes, she becomes one of their top assassins.

A Symbol Sparks a New Mission

One day, Eve sees a familiar symbol on her target. It matches the cult’s mark—the one that ruined her life. She breaks the rules and begins her own revenge mission. This choice puts her at odds with her own people. It also risks peace between her group and the cult.

A Trail of Violence and Secrets

Eve follows a bloody path to a snow-covered village. The place is filled with cult members. There, she meets a mysterious hitman, played by Norman Reedus. He adds tension but leaves many questions.

The film ends in a massive showdown. Flamethrowers and grenades dominate the scene. Eve fights through pain and fire. The final act delivers violence more than words.

Ana de Armas Shines

Ana de Armas leads the film with strength. She moves with calm and power. Even when the script fails to explore her character deeply, she stands out. A 20-minute mid-film fight scene shows what the film could have done more often—it takes risks and raises stakes.

Stunning Visuals but Familiar Moves

The movie looks stylish. Neon lights, dark rooftops, and smoky rooms build a moody setting. The action scenes are crisp, thanks to the John Wick stunt team. However, many moments feel like copies. The choreography, lighting, and camera work repeat what we’ve seen before.

The film suggests that Eve fights differently. It talks about using speed and strategy over strength. However, this idea remains mostly talk. The fights still follow the usual pattern. Still, the closing song Fight Like a Girl by Evanescence and K.Flay delivers a loud, fitting finish.

Repetition Hurts the Story

The film tries to create its own identity. But it falls back on old habits. The revenge plot feels too thin. Emotional scenes flash by without much meaning.

Though Eve is meant to fight with her own style, the action says otherwise. The shootouts and club fights look and feel like earlier Wick films. Even the camera angles and editing seem familiar—but less polished.

Cameos Tease Other Stories

Norman Reedus’s character feels like a setup for a different movie. Keanu Reeves appears too. He says little, reloads often, and reminds us why John Wick remains iconic.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Ballerina is not a bad film. But it lacks boldness. Ana de Armas shows she can carry an action franchise. The movie has flashes of creativity. However, it sticks too closely to the John Wick formula.

At its best, it’s fast, sharp, and stylish. At its worst, it’s a repeat with a new face. Ballet is about grace, control, and precision. Ballerina has some of that—but not all at once.