Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten based on characters by Derek Kolstad, Ballerina is an action movie set in the “world” that we have seen in the four John Wick films, including John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum (2019). But this is not about Wick, as this is about a young girl who witnessed her father’s murder as a young girl and grows up to become a dancer-assassin named Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas). Her character appeared briefly in Chapter 3- Parabellum film and the audience learns more about Eve’s story now.
After the murder, Eve is taken by Winston Scott (Ian McShane) and introduced to a woman known as the Director (Anjelica Huston), the head of the Ruska Roma, a tribe of assassins/bodyguards. She is trained by the director and becomes an assassin. While on an assignment, she sees something that is a flashback for her. She does not forget what she saw as a child and recalls something about the team of assassins led by a man known as Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne). She makes up her mind and heads out for vengeance.
Though several individuals try to persuade her not to pursue those who work for Chancellor, she does and finds out information through a lead, (Norman Reedus) at the Prague Continental. There is no stopping her as we see in multiple action scenes, even as she sustains a few painful injuries. No doubt her actions lead to Eve being hunted.
The action choreography is satisfactory when there is an awareness that this is not John Wick’s story. There’s a sequence in a snow-covered community that is entertaining with good fight choreography and stunt work.
Cast: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, with Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves
Synopsis: Taking place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas), who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma.
Rated R and opens in theaters June 6, 2025. Produced by: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski.
Lionsgate presents, a Thunder Road Films / 87eleven production
Source: Lionsgate
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