Ballerina (2025) Review: A Dance of Death and Vengeance
Ballerina, the latest entry from the world of John Wick, strikes with a precision that mirrors its protagonist’s lethal grace. Directed by Len Wiseman, this film blends the art of ballet with the brutal mechanics of assassination, creating a chilling yet captivating cinematic experience. Ana de Armas delivers a breathtaking performance that elevates the film beyond its action-heavy premise, bringing a level of emotional depth to the character of Rooney, a trained ballerina turned assassin.
A Story of Blood and Ballet
The plot of Ballerina is simple yet effective. Rooney, portrayed by Ana de Armas, is a ballerina whose family is murdered as part of a revenge plot gone wrong. What follows is a relentless journey through the dark underworld of assassination, as Rooney seeks vengeance while navigating a world filled with shadows and blood. The film’s tagline, “Grace in movement. Death in silence,” perfectly encapsulates the tone of this deadly ballet.
Guided by vengeance and haunted by memories of her family’s death, Rooney becomes entangled in a larger conspiracy involving the mysterious High Table, the shadowy organization central to the John Wick universe. The high-octane action scenes, choreographed with precision, mirror the beauty of ballet, making each fight a dance of death.
Performance and Style
Ana de Armas’ portrayal of Rooney is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her performance is a masterclass in the art of transformation, from a delicate dancer to a ruthless killer. The emotional depth she brings to the role makes Rooney’s journey one of sorrow, vengeance, and ultimate empowerment. De Armas truly shines in this breakout role, and her portrayal is one of the film’s strongest points.
The visual style of Ballerina is one of its most striking aspects. The film is a stunning mix of sleek noir aesthetics and action-packed brutality. Cinematographer John Wick veteran Dan Laustsen brings a distinct flair to the film, using lighting and color to enhance both the elegance of the ballet sequences and the violence of the action scenes. The juxtaposition of grace and brutality is handled with finesse, creating a mesmerizing visual experience.
Action and Choreography
One of the standout features of Ballerina is its choreography. The action scenes are a seamless blend of the graceful movement of ballet and the chaotic violence of gun-fu. Each fight scene is a carefully executed performance, with Rooney using her ballet training to deliver deadly strikes with precision and poise. The choreography is fluid, making each fight a beautiful yet terrifying display of skill and strength.
There’s a unique sense of rhythm in the action scenes. As Rooney pirouettes through her enemies, each move feels like a calculated step in a dance of death. The choreography not only serves the action but also reinforces the thematic elements of the film, where every movement has a purpose, and every strike carries emotional weight.
A Worthy Expansion of the Wickverse
Ballerina is more than just a spin-off of the John Wick franchise. It is a film that stands on its own, offering a fresh perspective on the world of assassins while still staying true to the gritty, high-stakes action that fans have come to expect. The film expands the Wickverse in a meaningful way, introducing a new character whose path crosses with John Wick’s own journey.
Keanu Reeves makes a brief but impactful appearance in a silent, yet powerful, role. His involvement in the film adds an extra layer of gravitas, tying Ballerina to the larger narrative of the John Wick universe while allowing the new protagonist to shine in her own right.
Conclusion
Ballerina is a visually hypnotic, emotionally charged, and action-packed film that combines the elegance of ballet with the intensity of assassin-driven violence. Ana de Armas’ performance is a standout, and the film’s stylish visuals and choreographed action scenes create a cinematic experience that is both haunting and beautiful. If you’re a fan of sleek action, noir aesthetics, and deadly beauty, Ballerina is a must-see.
Rating: 8.9/10 – A stunning addition to the John Wick universe, with a performance from Ana de Armas that is as lethal as it is graceful.
