Ballerina (2024) is the much-anticipated action-thriller spinoff in the John Wick franchise, directed by Len Wiseman and starring Ana de Armas in the lead role of Rooney. Set in the gritty, stylized world that fans have come to expect, Ballerina expands the lore of the Wick-verse while offering a more emotionally driven narrative centered around vengeance, identity, and family.
Plot Overview
The story follows Rooney (Ana de Armas), a trained ballerina and assassin who embarks on a personal mission to uncover the truth about her family’s mysterious past. Unlike many female-led action films that rely heavily on romance or sexualization, Ballerina refreshingly focuses on Rooney’s internal journey and her quest for justice.
When Rooney learns unsettling truths about her father’s death and her family’s hidden connections, she dives deeper into a violent underworld. Her journey is filled with brutal fight sequences, clever strategy, and raw determination. She must reckon with the fact that she will never be stronger than her male adversaries—but she can be smarter, faster, and more tactical. This angle is thoughtfully embedded into her action choreography, making her fighting style distinct and engaging.
Performances and Characters
Ana de Armas delivers a solid performance as Rooney. While she brings elegance and physicality to the role, there are moments where the emotional depth could have been more nuanced. That said, her presence is undeniably strong, and she handles the demanding action sequences with grace.
Keanu Reeves reprises his role as John Wick in a brief but impactful cameo, reminding viewers of the interconnectedness of this cinematic universe. Additional cast members include Anjelica Huston as The Director, reprising her role from John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and Norman Reedus in a mysterious new role that adds intrigue and grit to the film.
Action and Aesthetics
As expected from a John Wick spinoff, the action scenes are inventive and visually striking. One particularly memorable moment features a fire-breathing street performer involved in a choreographed fight—an oddly humorous yet intense scene that exemplifies the franchise’s flair for stylish violence. The film leans heavily into its ballet motif, using elegant movement and theatrical flair to add depth to the violence.
The cinematography is sleek and moody, with beautifully framed fight sequences that make full use of shadow, symmetry, and color. The world-building continues to impress, expanding on the traditions and rules of the mysterious High Table without overwhelming the viewer.
Final Thoughts
Ballerina is better than expected—entertaining, emotionally grounded, and packed with action—but it’s not the strongest entry in the John Wick saga. While Ana de Armas does well in the role, some viewers may feel another actress could have brought even more gravitas to Rooney. Still, the film stands on its own merit as a decent and stylish chapter in the expanding universe.
It’s worth a watch for John Wick fans and for those who enjoy female-led action films that strike a balance between heart and spectacle.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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