The world of John Wick has expanded once again with the release of "Ballerina," a spin-off film that delves deeper into the shadowy assassin universe fans have come to love. Directed by Len Wiseman, "Ballerina" offers a fresh perspective while maintaining the gritty, hyper-violent tone that has become the franchise's hallmark.
Set between the events of "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum" and "John Wick: Chapter 4," the film follows Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a dancer turned assassin who is trained by the same Ruska Roma organization that shaped John Wick himself. Eve's journey begins with a tragic loss: her father was murdered by a ruthless cult, the Chancellor's group, which sets her on a path of vengeance that takes her across New York, Prague, and rural Austria.
Len Wiseman approached "Ballerina" from the viewpoint of a fan, aiming to expand the John Wick universe thoughtfully rather than merely cashing in on its popularity. Wiseman explained, "I really do approach it as more of an exciting opportunity than a challenge. If it was something that was kind of daunting, I wouldn't be the guy for the job. I have a love of the films, the tone, the world. So [I love] having an opportunity to come in and expand on that and explore and be able to take that world into other experiences and other journeys that the audience can go on." This passion is evident throughout the film, from its intense action sequences to its rich character development.
One of the critical decisions Wiseman made was regarding Keanu Reeves' iconic character, John Wick. Rather than relegating him to a mere cameo, Reeves' presence is integral to Eve's story. Wiseman noted, "If John Wick is here, I want it to be crucial to Ana [de Armas]'s story, that plays into just the consequences of her choices, and really has meaning rather than it being a cameo. Because that's what I would like as an audience. I'd feel cheated if I didn't feel the tone was [right]." True to this vision, John Wick appears in a supporting role, sent by the Ruska Roma's Director to intervene in Eve's escalating conflict, giving her a tense 30-minute window to confront the Chancellor before he steps in.
Ana de Armas delivers a compelling performance as Eve, blending grim determination with a minimalist style that suits the franchise's tone. Her character is complex and layered; despite being a rookie assassin, Eve's resolve and fighting skills shine through, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. De Armas herself reflected on Eve's journey, saying, "She really is alone. So she really now feels like she has nothing to lose except for maybe Ella. Maybe that's what's going to give her some purpose from now on." This emotional depth adds weight to the relentless action that defines the film.
The supporting cast enriches the narrative further. Gabriel Byrne portrays the chilling Chancellor, the cult leader responsible for Eve's father's death. Anjelica Huston returns as the Director, the leader of the Ruska Roma assassin school, while Ian McShane and Lance Reddick reprise their roles as Winston and Charon, respectively, with Reddick's appearance marking his final performance. New characters, including Norman Reedus as Ella's father and Catalina Sandino Moreno as Lena—Eve's long-thought-dead sister—add additional layers to the story, though Lena's tragic fate underscores the film's brutal world.
Critically, "Ballerina" holds a 74% score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the lowest-reviewed film in the John Wick franchise by critics, yet it boasts an impressive 94% audience score, the highest among all entries, surpassing even "John Wick: Chapter 4." This dichotomy highlights the film's strong connection with fans, who have embraced its blend of high-octane action and character-driven storytelling. The movie earned an A- CinemaScore, tying with "John Wick: Chapter 2" and "John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum," and only bested by "John Wick: Chapter 4," which received an A.
From a box office perspective, "Ballerina" is projected to earn between $25.5 million and $27.5 million domestically during its opening weekend, which is a modest start compared to previous franchise entries. While this figure falls short of initial projections exceeding $30 million, it still surpasses the original 2014 "John Wick" film's $14.4 million debut. Industry analysts note that "Ballerina" faced stiff competition from family-friendly titles like Disney's "Lilo and Stitch" remake and "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," but upcoming releases skew towards younger audiences, potentially giving "Ballerina" room to maintain strong box office legs among adult viewers.
Lionsgate, the studio behind the franchise, has ambitious plans to expand the John Wick universe further. Alongside "Ballerina," a Caine spin-off featuring Donnie Yen reprising his role from "John Wick 4" is in development. Additionally, the studio is optimistic about "John Wick 5," with hopes that director Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves will craft a story that satisfies fans and continues the saga.
"Ballerina" distinguishes itself by balancing franchise consistency with a fresh perspective, focusing on a new lead without losing the essence that made John Wick a cultural phenomenon. Its choreography and creative violence have been widely praised, with the film described as an "absolute hurricane of action" and a "worthy addition to the Wick universe." The film's poetic brutality and relentless pace offer a visceral cinematic experience, while the nuanced performances, particularly from de Armas, provide emotional resonance.
The film's ending leaves audiences with much to ponder. After Eve confronts the Chancellor—who is ultimately taken out by John Wick's sniper shot—she returns a kidnapped girl, Ella, to her father and attends a ballet performance, symbolizing a moment of reflection amidst chaos. However, Eve's phone buzzes with news of a $5 million bounty on her head, a plot thread that director Len Wiseman says was a "Keanu idea" and intentionally ambiguous, hinting at future storylines and the consequences of living in this violent world.
"Ballerina" also features the new Evanescence track "Fight Like a Girl," underscoring the film's themes of strength and resilience. Notably, the film does not include a post-credits scene, a departure from "John Wick: Chapter 4," but its ending sets the stage for Eve's continuing saga.
As the John Wick franchise continues to evolve, "Ballerina" proves that the universe can thrive beyond its titular character. With a strong lead, a dedicated creative team, and a world rich in lore and action, the film offers both longtime fans and newcomers an exhilarating ride. Whether Eve's story will continue on the big screen remains to be seen, but for now, "Ballerina" stands tall as a brutal, stylish, and emotionally charged chapter in the ever-expanding John Wick saga.
