Taking Over the "John Wick" Universe: Ana de Armas' Gritty Debut as "Ballerina"
Bullet fired intentionally into female genitalia
Step aside, Keanu. There's a new assassin in town, and she's ready to shake up the "John Wick" universe. Meet Ana de Armas as Eve, the deadliest dancer you'll ever see. In "Ballerina," de Armas brings a breath of fresh air into this gritty action franchise, delivering a performance that's nothing short of brutal, determined, and independent.
De Armas and Reeves have shared the screen twice before - and boy, did they create sparks. In "Knock Knock" (2015), a home invasion thriller by Eli Roth, de Armas played a manipulative, seductive young woman who dragged Reeves' character into a nightmare. Just a year later, they reunited in "Exposed" (2016), a dark mystery drama where Reeves portrayed a haunted policeman investigating a murder case while de Armas played a woman with mystifying visions.
Now, these three large-screen collaborations come full circle in "Ballerina," a spin-off that Reeves himself has helped shape like no other. Director Len Wiseman takes the bullseye for those fans who crave stylized violence, secret killer orders, and well-defined anti-heroes and heroines.
A Killer in High Heels
As the new protagonist, Eve, Ana de Armas demonstrates that lethality isn't exclusive to male or muscular physiques. While her demeanor remains cold and unyielding for much of the film, as the story unfolds, Eve's roles within the arena of violence evolve: from a calculating assassin to a protector of an innocent little girl (played by Norman Reedus) to a merciless avenger with a personal vendetta. The fact that she, like John Wick, constantly maintains a good heart forms the emotional base of the film - even if this terrain has been tread upon before. Spoiler alert: Eve's backstory is far from original. We've seen this story play out numerous times before.
The Final Showdown in Icy Coldness
Despite the predictable plot, "Ballerina" offers a thrilling rollercoaster ride of action-packed sequences. This chilly spin-off pushes the boundaries of its genre, packed with fistfights, explosions, and jaw-dropping deaths, leaving little time for spectators to catch their breath. The direction is noticeably different from the choreographed ballet of earlier "Wick" installments. The fights feel rawer, more emotional, and improvised - like survival struggles, not planned dance routines. This new look is skillfully captured by the camera work, which often employs dynamic, dense movements to intensify the violence.
"Fight like a girl," as director Len Wiseman encourages, isn't meant to be derogatory but rather a nod to Eve's physical capabilities. Her agility, swiftness, unpredictability, and cunning come into play during each fight scene, whether she's using ice skates as boxing gloves, a flamethrower, or even a well-placed shot to the vagina. Yet, a quandary remains: despite her emphasis on physical realism, it's tough to believe Eve can defeat entire armies of equally well-trained killers with minimal damage. Her almost miraculous survival strains credulity, especially when survival is a central theme.
A New Heroine Emerges
Of course, familiar faces from the "John Wick" universe can't be missed: the legendary Continental Hotel, Ian McShane as the mysterious manager Winston, Lance Reddick in one of his final appearances as concierge Charon - all contribute to the familiar setting without "Ballerina" getting completely lost in fan nostalgia. Keanu Reeves also appears as Baba Yaga, but his impact is relatively minor. His presence seems more like a nod to the larger universe or a friendly wave to the audience. In truth, "Ballerina" doesn't need him - Eve stands on her own two feet.
Does "Ballerina" reach the heights of the "John Wick" films, which have captured audiences since John Wick's dog was killed in the first part in 2014? Not quite - it lacks the emotional connection that has become the series' trademark. But: "Ballerina" is an exciting spin-off offering a fresh voice for a new heroine. The story might be predictable, but what it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with energy, atmosphere, and plenty of action. Not perfect, but a solid contribution to the "John Wick" world - and likely not the last we'll see of Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro.
[1] Ruska Roma: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruska_Roma[2] High Table: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Hotel_(John_Wick)[3] "John Wick: Chapter 4" Release Date: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10024988/[4] Winston Scott: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winston_Scott_(John_Wick)
♪ I'm not gonna let you go ♪, echoes in the background as de Armas' Eve, the spin-off's gritty heroine, takes on the "John Wick" universe in the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment. With fight sequences reminiscent of improvised survival struggles rather than choreographed ballet, Eve showcases a new style of action.
