Movie Review: Ballerina (2025) – A Gripping Spin-Off in the John Wick Universe
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina (2025) is a high-octane, neo-noir action thriller that skillfully expands the beloved John Wick universe. Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, this fifth installment serves as a spin-off set between the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4. It stars Ana de Armas in a lead performance that blends fierce physicality with emotional depth as she takes on the role of Eve, a ballerina-turned-assassin seeking revenge for her family’s murder.
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus, with returning John Wick franchise actors Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick (in his final screen appearance), Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves. Reeves’ reprisal of John Wick ties the narrative to its roots, offering fans familiar faces while expanding the mythology of the Wick verse.
What makes Ballerina particularly compelling is its intricate weaving into the timeline of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. The film includes scenes that mirror key moments from Parabellum but are told from Eve’s perspective, adding a fresh layer to the existing story.
One standout example is Eve observing John Wick’s visit to The Director, portrayed by Huston, as the bloody, relentless Wick continues his war against the High Table. The level of continuity is remarkable, with Reeves’ character sporting the same facial injuries he had in Parabellum, a subtle yet effective nod to the franchise’s commitment to detail.
While Ballerina excels as its film, it enriches the more expansive John Wick universe. The return of familiar faces like The Director, Charon (Reddick), and Winston (McShane) seamlessly anchors the spin-off, giving it a sense of cohesion with the main series. The action sequences are every bit as thrilling and brutal as fans have come to expect, while Ana de Armas’ portrayal of Eve adds a fresh, dynamic energy to the story.
In short, Ballerina is a gripping, stylish, and adrenaline-pumping addition to the John Wick franchise, offering hardcore fans and newcomers an exciting glimpse into the more significant, intricate world of assassins and vengeance.
This movie is a Webfans must-see.
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