Ballerina Movie Review
Last Updated on June 11, 2025 by Movie Revew TV
Ballerina takes its place in the expanding universe of high-octane action thrillers linked to the John Wick franchise. Directed with a sharp eye for style and combat choreography, this spinoff centers on a young assassin who blends grace with grit in a quest for vengeance. Set in the same dark, stylish underworld as the Baba Yaga himself, this film delivers a strong standalone story while honoring the legacy of its cinematic predecessors.
Plot Summary: From Tragedy to Training Ground
Ballerina follows a young woman who survives a traumatic past and is taken in by her father’s mysterious associates people deeply embedded in the shadowy world we’ve come to associate with Wick’s saga. Given a choice between a quiet life or a dangerous one, she chooses the path of vengeance.
Her transformation from a grieving daughter into a lethal weapon is central to the narrative. Viewers witness her physical and emotional evolution, as she trains under elite killers and hones skills that blend ballet-like movement with brutal efficiency. Themes of identity, pain, and purpose resonate strongly throughout the film.
A New Kind of Action Heroine
There’s been debate around whether Ballerina pushes the “Girl Boss” narrative. But unlike other films that portray petite women effortlessly beating hulking adversaries, this film opts for realism. The protagonist’s strength stems not from brute force, but from smart tactics, training, and creative use of her surroundings.
She’s no unstoppable superhero. She gets hit, she bleeds, and she’s vulnerable at times—but that’s what makes her compelling. Her strength is portrayed through intelligence and adaptability, aligning her more with traditional Wick-style combat than with stylized overkill.
Fighting Style: Poised, Punishing, and Personal
One of the film’s most distinctive features is how it fuses elegance with intensity. Her background in ballet is subtly woven into her combat style, resulting in action sequences that are both beautiful and brutal. From quick takedowns to explosive set pieces involving flamethrowers and gritty close-quarters brawls, the action never feels recycled.
Each sequence carries weight, emotion, and a sense of high stakes. A particularly memorable early scene involving a car crash stands out for its raw energy and unexpected direction. The action is choreographed to look painful—something often missing in sanitized modern action films.
Familiar Faces and Franchise Connections
Fans of the John Wick franchise will be pleased to know this isn’t just a side story it’s embedded within the same universe. Key figures from the Wick mythos make appearances, adding depth without overshadowing the protagonist.
While Wick himself does appear, his role is well-balanced serving to enrich the storyline rather than hijack it. These appearances are used as connective tissue, not crutches, providing Easter eggs for loyal fans and intrigue for newcomers.
How Does It Compare to the John Wick Films?
Let’s be honest: the John Wick series set a high bar. Ballerina doesn’t necessarily top any single entry in that franchise, but it doesn’t need to. It builds a corner of the universe that’s more personal, more emotional, and slightly more grounded.
Think of it as a character-driven chapter rather than a myth-building one. While Wick is a legend by the time his fourth film rolls around, Ballerina is still finding her way—and that’s a refreshing change of pace. It’s less about body counts and more about the journey.
Not Just a Spin-Off — A Standalone Experience
Although set in a familiar world, Ballerina succeeds by crafting its own identity. It avoids being derivative and instead offers a new lens through which to experience the stylized violence and moral complexity of the Wick universe.
It also avoids the usual pitfalls of preachy or overly stylized gender commentary. The lead character is respected, vulnerable, flawed, and fiercely capable—without having to outperform or replace the male characters around her.
Final Verdict: A Graceful Yet Gritty Action Film
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Ballerina is a solid entry in the action-thriller genre. While it may not reach the heights of the original John Wick films, it offers enough depth, originality, and engaging action to earn its place in the franchise’s lore.
If you’re a fan of intense combat choreography, character-driven narratives, and grounded female leads who aren’t written as invincible, this is a film you’ll want to see. It’s an elegant blend of fury and finesse.
Should You Watch It? Absolutely—Here’s Why:
- It expands the John Wick world in meaningful ways
- The protagonist’s journey is compelling and believable
- Action sequences feel fresh, raw, and grounded
- It avoids clichés while offering satisfying callbacks to fans
If you’re into gritty action films with style and substance, this one’s for you. And if you’re curious about more films like Ballerina, don’t miss our full review of Karate Kid: Legends – Movie Review, another reboot that walks the line between homage and innovation.
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