Ballerina puts Ana de Armas front and centre in a brutal, stylish spinoff that fans are loving; here’s what they’re saying
When Keanu Reeves first donned the tailored suit of John Wick, few could have anticipated the sprawling universe that would follow. Now, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina — a spinoff set within the same shadowy, adrenaline-fueled world — expands the Wick-verse by introducing a compelling new protagonist: Ana de Armas as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin driven by a relentless quest for vengeance.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Ballerina follows Eve’s journey deep into the criminal underworld as she seeks justice for her father’s death. The twist? While John fights to escape his violent past, Eve is determined to embrace it. As director Len Wiseman explains, “It’s kind of the opposite of John Wick’s story. Wick is trying to get out of his life as an assassin; Eve wants in — she wants to be a killer.”
The Buzz on X
With early viewers already sharing their thoughts, the excitement on X hints at a powerful new chapter in the John Wick universe. Though it’s still early, the reactions are loud, chaotic, and overwhelmingly positive. One standout review praises both the action and Ana de Armas’s performance:
“I had a blast with #BallerinaMovie — it’s packed with all the Wick-isms you’d expect: fast-paced, bloody shootouts and carnage-filled brawls that push creative boundaries. It’s as intense as the Wick films excel at, featuring one of the best flamethrower scenes since Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). While nothing can top the Baba Yaga himself, Ana de Armas delivers solid work, especially with the physical demands of the role. No Mary Sue indestructibility here — she takes hits as well as she gives them, making for a convincing performance in the Wick world. All in all, a Wicktastic spinoff that fits the mold perfectly.”
Another fan echoed this sentiment, appreciating the film’s refusal to simply make Eve a female John Wick:
“BALLERINA features fantastic stunt work and fight choreography. Thankfully, they didn’t try to make Ana de Armas’s Eve a gender-swapped John Wick. She stands on her own and handles business her way. Fight like a girl! Keanu’s appearances are definitely a highlight for fans! #ballerinamovie”
The film’s visual and emotional intensity has also struck a chord with viewers. One fan raved,
“BALLERINA is a visual spectacle that lets you feel the action. Vibrant, frenetic, intense, and vengeful — and I’m not just talking about the film, but Ana de Armas herself. She has an electric aura that will keep you glued to your seat.”
Another comment noted,
“#BallerinaMovie takes a little while to find its footing but then really soars in a blaze of glory. It strikes a perfect balance between goofy and gritty, delivering exciting and memorable action sequences. Ana de Armas is made for this kind of role. Summer movie season is officially here!”
Perhaps most tellingly, a once-skeptical viewer turned into a believer:
“Walking out of #BallerinaMovie pleasantly surprised and still buzzing from some of the best action sequences in the franchise. As someone who doubted whether Armas could live up to the John Wick name, I recommend dropping your worries and giving it a real shot.”
Fans agree the film doesn’t reinvent the Wick formula — instead, it spins the wheel in bold new directions. Delightfully, Ana de Armas has choreographed her own blood-soaked ballet on the stage that John Wick built.
