Ballerina: A John Wick Story (2024) expands the John Wick universe by focusing on a new character, Rooney (played by Ana de Armas), a highly trained assassin seeking revenge for her family’s murder. Directed by Len Wiseman, the film is set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, offering fans a fresh yet familiar experience filled with high-octane action, stylish cinematography, and deeper insights into the world of assassins.
The story follows Rooney, a young woman raised and trained in the Ruska Roma ballet academy, the same organization that trained John Wick. After discovering the people responsible for her family’s death, she embarks on a brutal mission of revenge. Along the way, she navigates the deadly world of the High Table, crossing paths with powerful enemies and allies, including Keanu Reeves’ John Wick in a special appearance.
One of the film’s standout elements is its action choreography. Ballerina maintains the signature John Wick style—gun-fu, hand-to-hand combat, and breathtaking set pieces—but adds a more graceful and acrobatic touch to Rooney’s fighting style, reflecting her ballet training. Ana de Armas delivers an intense and physically demanding performance, proving herself as a worthy action star.
Visually, the film captures the sleek, neon-lit aesthetics that the franchise is known for. The cinematography by Dan Laustsen, who also worked on the previous John Wick films, ensures that every fight sequence is both visually stunning and emotionally charged. Whether it’s a ballet-inspired combat scene or a high-speed chase through the streets of Prague, the film keeps the adrenaline pumping.
In terms of storytelling, Ballerina adds depth to the John Wick universe by exploring the Ruska Roma’s traditions, their role in the assassin underworld, and the cost of revenge. While it follows the classic revenge-thriller formula, the film also focuses on Rooney’s internal conflict—how much of her humanity is left after dedicating her life to vengeance? This adds an emotional layer that differentiates it from the main John Wick series.
The supporting cast, including Ian McShane as Winston and Lance Reddick in one of his final roles as Charon, provides continuity with the larger franchise. Their presence helps ground Ballerina within the John Wick timeline while allowing it to stand on its own as a compelling spinoff.
Overall, Ballerina: A John Wick Story is a thrilling addition to the John Wick universe. With breathtaking action, a compelling lead performance, and a deeper exploration of the assassin underworld, it successfully expands the franchise while delivering an intense and visually captivating experience. Fans of John Wick will appreciate the familiar yet fresh approach, and newcomers will find an exhilarating action film with a strong, determined heroine at its core.
