Why Ballerina Is A Fresh Take On Action

By Cheong Car Men

SUBANG JAYA — At first glance, the title From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina might not seem like it belongs in the world of action movies. The word “ballerina” brings to mind images of classical ballet dances, not gunfights or criminal underworld. But that unexpected mix is exactly what makes this spin-off stand out — especially for people who are not a big fan of action movies.

From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina movie poster. Image Credits: IMDb.

Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina is set between John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4 movie. The story follows Eve Macarro, played by Ana de Armas, a trained ballet dancer who has grown up in a violent world. She is not just a ballerina, but an assassin. This contrast shapes the movie’s style and tone, bringing together elegant ballet movement and intense survival in a powerful and memorable way.

Grace In The Violence

The movie opens in a quiet dance rehearsal studio rather than a dark alley or a fight scene. These early scenes are calmed and carefully framed, emphasising the beauty of ballet and physical power. Even in fight scenes, there is a strong focus on discipline, movement and control, almost like a graceful ballet recital, for example arabesques and jetes are blended naturally into the fight scenes, turning basic kicks, strikes and dodges into smooth and flowing actions. This combination turns the violence into something more visually artistic than brutal, creating a rhythm that feels choreographed like a pas de deux rather than chaotic.

Ana de Armas delivers a strong and grounded performance. She plays Eve with a calm intensity, showing vulnerability without ever compromising her strength. Whether she is preparing for a ballet dance or encountering danger, her character remains emotionally compelling, her every move is intentional — blending a ballet dancer’s elegance with a survivor’s instinct. Her portrayal brings a sense of humanity to the movie, preventing it from becoming just another typical spin-off.

While Ballerina belongs to the same world as the other John Wick movies, it does not require deep knowledge of the earlier story plot to watch. While there are references to familiar locations such as The Continental Hotel and hints of characters like Ruska Roma presented in previous movies, the movie is cautious not to confuse or exclude new viewers. Fans of the John Wick series will catch small references while newcomers can still enjoy the movie on their own.

Owning Her Power

Ballerina goes beyond the usual revenge or survival story — it is really about reclaiming control, discovering purpose and transforming pain into power. The movie also challenges conventional perspectives of gender and strength. When Eve was told to “fight like a girl,” she does not shy away from it. Instead, the movie reclaims that phrase, showing how her ballet training gives her the strength and skills just as strong and capable as any fighter. The movie does not make the female lead stand out just because she is in a male-dominated genre. Rather, it shows her grace, skill and focus as real strengths. Her journey does not rely on adopting traditionally masculine traits; her power is shown through the qualities she already owns.

Eve Macarro fighting scene. Image Credits: Colliders

Even those more drawn to classical ballet than action-packed thrillers may find Ballerina surprisingly rewarding. The movie’s bursts of action are so artfully choreographed that they come across more like expressive movements in a dance than typical fight scenes. The movie’s slower pacing also allows space for quieter moments — like glimpses of Eve’s training or close-up shots of her pointe shoes that offer a pause from the intensity. These moments add a sense of calmness and beauty to the chaos.

One of the movie’s most engaging elements is how it explores identity and control. Instead of showing ballet and violence as opposites, it reveals how they can be connected. The same discipline it takes to master a pirouette also applies to surviving in a world filled with threats. The movie does not state this directly, but it allows the viewers to sense it. Every action Eve takes seems guided by her training, merging elegance and power in a way that makes dance and danger feel deeply connected.

From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina does not try to change the action genre, the movie offers fresh perspectives — a story that stays true to the visual style of the original movies while exploring a quieter and more physical form of storytelling. Even without knowing John Wick’s story, viewers can still connect with this movie, by showing emotions, movement and personal conflicts instead of relying on detailed backstory.

From The World Of John Wick: Ballerina is now screening at cinemas nationwide.