A John Wick Spin-Off That Spins Off the Rails
So many of us stumbled into the first John Wick movie back in 2014, blissfully unaware of the cinematic journey that lay ahead. This nuanced revenge thriller, starring Keanu Reeves, quickly evolved from what seemed like a simple B-movie into an intricate world of assassins, crime syndicates, and hidden society rules. From the moment Wick dropped a gold coin at the Continental Hotel, audiences realized they were entering a unique ecosphere—a far larger sandbox ripe for exploration. Now, with exploding expectations and burgeoning spin-offs, let’s delve into the latest entry: Ballerina.
The Franchise’s Evolution
World-Building Expertise
You don’t build a world as rich as John Wick’s without a grander scheme at play. With the king momentarily off the board after the fourth film, spin-offs and side quests were an inevitability. While The Continental, a prequel series focused on the hotelier for hitmen, has divided critics, Ballerina seeks to expand the lore. Although it showcases expertly choreographed violence, it often feels like a mere sub-entry from an elaborate Wick-iverse biography.
Introduction to Eve
A Young Assassin’s Journey
Remember the ballet academy glimpsed in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum? It serves as the training ground for Eve, a young assassin whose story ignites when her father is murdered by the Chancellor, played by Gabriel Byrne. Taken under the wing of Winston (portrayed by Ian McShane), Eve’s journey through the harsh realities of being an assassin begins at the Tarkovsky Theater, where the Director (brilliantly played by Anjelica Huston) trains both ballerinas and assassins alike.
Twelve years later, the now-grown Eve, portrayed by Ana de Armas, has honed her deadly skills, passing tests that place her on the path to become a kikimora—a mythological being protecting the innocent while delivering justice to the guilty.
The Plot Unfolds
A Twisted Turn of Fate
Fast forward to Eve as a seasoned killer, reveling in her lethal talent. However, an unexpected encounter with a mysterious figure—marked by an ominous X scar—forces Eve to confront her past. A trip to Prague and a reunion with fellow assassin Norman Reedus leads her to a sleepy Bavarian village and the revelation that her life is under threat from a powerful cult, the very same that ended her father’s life.
As fate would have it, an all-too-familiar ally seeks to find her, setting the stage for a showdown steeped in history and vengeance.
The Return of John Wick
Keanu Reeves makes a significant mark in Ballerina, making a clever first-act cameo that resonates throughout the film. His role, much like the character he embodies, weaves in and out of Eve’s narrative, adding an air of continuity. A poignant moment occurs when Wick reassures Eve she can leave anytime; it’s a line that begs viewers to wonder if it’s the character or the actor questioning his ongoing commitment to the franchise.
Action That Delivers
Choreographed Mayhem
It’s no secret that a John Wick film thrives on its spectacular action sequences, and Ballerina delivers in several electrifying moments. One standout scene at an elite firearms broker showcases a jaw-dropping sequence now dubbed “grenade fu.” Another remarkable set piece unfolds in a traditional hofbrau, where chaos reigns as patrons and staff alike join the fray.
This film serves up inventive battles that vary in style and execution, including one showdown involving a flamethrower—visually arresting and unforgettable. Plus, don’t miss a clever nod to the iconic La Femme Nikita, with a cameo that delights fans of assassin films.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag
However, despite its riveting action, Ballerina often feels less like an authentic extension of the Wick saga and more like a calculated replication of its formula. While Ana de Armas shines as a formidable heroine, her character’s development stumbles over familiar emotional tropes. Directed by Len Wiseman, best known for franchises like Underworld, the effort feels somewhat diminished, lacking the high-art flair that defined its predecessors.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Ballerina acts as a double-edged sword—it tantalizes with thrilling sequences but often falters in storytelling and emotional resonance. Fans may leave the theater entertained, but the lingering question remains: is this a legitimate addition to the Wick-iverse, or merely a shadow hoping to cash in on a beloved brand?
For more insights on the evolution of modern action cinema, check out The A.V. Club’s take on genre films.
