Ballerina Review (2025): The Spin-Off that John Wick’s Fans Dreamed Of
Ballerina is one of the latest examples where a spin-off can continue the appeal of the previous franchise. It maintains what makes John Wick's franchise likable, such as a compelling story and captivating action scenes. Len Wiseman's direction expresses the charm of its own genre, despite operating within the same old Hollywood format.
A spin-off that is true to the original
After John Wick's shocking (?) demise in John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), Wiseman's Ballerina opens a new chapter for those who are still waiting for an exciting, adrenaline-filled one-man-show action - now with a female lead. It harnesses all the standout elements that made the franchise great.
To avenge the brutal murder of her father and family, Eve (Anna de Armas) enters Ruska Roma to train and become an assassin. She discovers the truth about her father's murder when she discovers the X symbol on the arm of the corpse of the assassin who killed him.
After officially becoming an agent, she is assigned by Ruska Roma to guard a client from a hitman. She meets other assassins, including someone who has the same X mark as the one she found earlier.
Torn between revenge and a past she can't leave behind, Eve explores a dark world full of violence and betrayal. Every trail she follows leads her deeper into the secrets that reveal who she is—and who is truly responsible for ruining her life.
In terms of narrative, this film is not for those seeking a complex, action-packed story with deep themes. But if you want to see Armas deliver Keanu-style action in a Wick-inspired film, Ballerina is just what you’re looking for.
What makes this film the right successor to John Wick is its dark palette, gloomy nuances, and seemingly endless action sequences that make it one of the candidates for the best action films of the year. Moreover, it is supported by charming choreography and fistfights. It fits perfectly with the Oscars which soon offer a special nomination for stunt performers in films. Will it automatically win?
The action scenes are worth the admission fee. From gunfights to hand-to-hand combat, they flow beautifully from one scene to another. Needless to say, the film ends with a thrilling action sequence that ensures the experience is just as satisfying as the strong Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves installments.
Without post-credits, there is no information on whether this film will be released as a sequel. However, the ending indicates Eve is prepared for another story. Perhaps the open ending was designed to leave room for a new story and continue one of the biggest action franchises in the last decade.
The charm of Anna de Armas in action
Anna de Armas was not the first name planned to play Eve. But her beauty-and undeniable screen presence-adds a new spark to the franchise. Wiseman also doesn’t shy away from portraying Eve as a fierce, battle-hardened character who risks everything to face her enemies. Add the depths of her character in this shallow-driven story.
In terms of plot, the story still follows a familiar format: revenge for a loved one. It is mesmerizing how Hollywood tends to pick up stories about female assassins always connected by recruiters and secret organizations that train them, like La Femme Nikita (1990), Anna (2019), or Black Widow (2020).
However, changing the main character to a woman in this spin-off brings a breath of fresh air. The audience once more experiences the world of Continental's assassins' cinematic plot from a fresh perspective. Although there isn’t strong attachment where Eve carries on John Wick's legacy, the storyline feels fitting and promising.
Like Creed to Rocky Balboa, Eve is a fitting successor to the titular hero. This is especially true if the fighting style and story are expanded while retraining what made Wick so enjoyable: dynamic choreography and action-driving storytelling. Then Lionsgate doesn't need to change what happened to Reeves' Wick in Chapter 4.
Ballerina presents a simple story. But Wiseman delivers superb execution, tapping into the nostalgia that John Wick fans crave. Both longtime fans and new audiences will enjoy seeing Eve's fierce journey, which mirrors Wick’s own fighting for survival. And in the end, we are so eager for Ballerina 2!
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