“Ballerina” wants to be the origin story audiences have waited for, and mostly delivers. The 2025 spin-off follows Eve Macarro, a ballerina trained as an assassin, as she seeks vengeance for her father’s death. Directed by Len Wiseman from a script by Shay Hatten, the film lands at 125 minutes and carries a 5.9/10 score.
Trailer, via Lionsgate Movies.
The Setup
Eve grows up in the Ruska Roma, a crime syndicate of dancer-assassins. Her father, Javier, is killed by the Cult, led by the Chancellor. Eve trains under the Director for 12 years before earning the title “Kikimora.” The film jumps between her past and present missions, with Winston Scott managing the New York Continental and Charon serving as her protector.
Winston’s Role
Ian McShane’s Winston is a constant presence. He brings Eve to the Ruska Roma after her father’s death and watches over her through the years. His scenes ground the film’s action in a familiar, comforting rhythm.
The Cult and Its Mark
The Chancellor and his Cult are the film’s villains. They hunt Eve and her allies, and one Cultist, Daniel Pine, becomes a central figure. Pine is an assassin fleeing the Cult, and Eve joins him in Prague to protect his daughter, Ella. The plot moves fast, with assassins descending on Pine’s hotel room as Lena raises the bounty on him.
Lena’s Sister
Catalina Sandino Moreno plays Lena, an assassin working for the Chancellor. She is also Eve’s long-lost older sister, a twist that adds weight to the revenge plot. The film leans on family ties to drive its stakes.
The Fight Scenes
The fights are the strongest part of “Ballerina.” Eve moves through crowds and narrow spaces with balletic grace, and the film stages the action in tight, controlled bursts. The choreography holds the film together when the plot drags.
Lance Reddick’s Farewell
Lance Reddick’s final screen appearance arrives in “Ballerina.” He plays Charon, the Prague concierge, and his death scene lands with real weight. It closes out a career defined by loyalty and warmth.
The Verdict
“Ballerina” is a solid, if uneven, entry in the John Wick universe. It sets up the Ruska Roma mythology well and gives Ana de Armas a strong lead role. The revenge plot is familiar, but the execution is confident. The film’s pacing sags in stretches, and some subplots feel rushed. Still, the action sequences and Reddick’s farewell earn it a place alongside the main series.
“Vengeance has a new face.”
That tagline promises a fresh approach, and the film delivers on that promise with its lead performance and its action set pieces. It is not a masterpiece, but it is a worthy addition to the franchise.
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