Ballerina – A Fierce Spin-Off That Dances Between Chaos and Charm

Writing this review is giving me a very specific kind of pain in my eyes – and no, it’s not because I’ve just come back from a late-night movie screening. It’s because I’m typing this at exactly 12:00 in the night, half-tired, half-distracted, and fully wired with the aftertaste of the film I’ve just watched. And despite the sleepiness, despite the strain, one truth is sitting in my head with absolute clarity: I enjoyed it. If I had to compress my reaction into just a handful of words, that would be it. I enjoyed it – and I want to pass that enjoyment to millions across India, something like handing out sweet, rich mango pulp during mango season. Because what I found in the theatre tonight felt exactly like that: unexpectedly refreshing, full of flavour, and surprisingly rewarding.

There’s a cheeky line in my head about a “naughty cloud” drifting around early in the morning, but the point is simple. Ballerina is a fresh, crisp, and high-octane theatrical experience. It is loaded – absolutely loaded – with life, explosions, action, and spectacle. The official title is simply Ballerina, but for marketing they are using the tagline “From the World of John Wick.” And let’s be honest: the moment that name appears, expectations shoot up.

Yes, that John Wick. The global action franchise, four movies strong, and still preparing a fifth after teasing a possible ending in the fourth. Ballerina is their latest expansion – a spin-off, or rather what they’re now calling a sidequel. Hollywood keeps inventing new terms – prequel, sequel, sidequel – what’s next? But the idea here is clear: the story unfolds between John Wick: Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. And even better news for newcomers: you don’t need to watch any of the previous films to understand this one. This spin-off stands comfortably on its own.

The John Wick Factor – What You Expect vs What You Get

Let me get to the most important and perhaps the most heartbreaking piece of information right away, because I know how people in India think. If you’re stepping into this theatre solely to see John Wick – that aura, that vibe, that alpha male dominance, that “Daddy of Daddy” madness – then my brother, you will be disappointed.

The movie is 2 hours and 7 minutes long. John Wick’s total screen time? Approximately 10–12 minutes. Yes, that’s it.

And those minutes are glorious, no doubt, but the film is not about him. The title, the poster, the emotional core, the narrative – all revolve around the movie’s heroine Eve, played by Ana de Armas. Her journey is the spine of this film.

Her childhood? A tragedy. Her guardians? An underworld “family” – not the one in your home, not even Dominic Toretto’s cheesy “family,” but the kind that pulls you into the shadows. Her profession now? A trained assassin, sent on deadly missions. Her turning point? An event that drags her past back into her present, triggering a chain of chaos and violence so intense that even John Wick himself has to intervene.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a spoiler – they showed this in the trailer.

A Story That Knows Its Purpose

If I talk about the story overall, it’s decent. But then again, the John Wick franchise has never claimed to be driven by deeply nuanced storytelling. The formula has always been:

Simple story + elite world-building + breathtaking action = success.

Once again, this formula works. The film borrows the core idea of John Wick always having the entire world after him, but flips the dynamic to suit Eve’s arc. There are moments where information is delivered in slightly heavy-handed chunks, as if they needed to dump certain details quickly to move the action forward. But honestly? It’s not a deal-breaker. Because the film has three major selling points, and each of them holds the fort brilliantly.

1. The Action – Spectacle, Shock, and Pure Kinetic Energy

The first selling point is the action, and let me say this plainly – it is good. In fact, very good.

It raises the film’s overall value, delivering everything fans of the Wick universe crave. Whether it’s the bold use of grenades, the explosive visuals that literally shake you for a second, or the hand-to-hand combat that’s performed with slick precision, the action scenes are crafted with flair.

There are moments where you’ll involuntarily react – “Bro, what was that!” “He just got blown to pieces!”

The choreography maintains that signature Wick energy: high-impact, cleanly shot, and full of creative brutality.

Some scenes, like the early flamethrower action, start off brilliantly but then begin to feel stretched. Yet the hits keep coming – grenades, knives, explosions – and the overall tempo ensures you never stop feeling entertained.

2. Ana de Armas – The Delicate Fury at the Center

The second – and perhaps the biggest – selling point is Ana de Armas, affectionately known in many circles as “Amras.”

Let me be honest. This entire review being typed at midnight? It’s happening because of her. And I have zero complaints.

From the moment she first appears on screen, I noticed something strange – I was smiling. Why? Because she brings an intoxicating mix of charm, grace, and lethal intensity. Her ballerina outfit, the silky fabric fluttering with perfect realism (that simulation was chef’s kiss – and it was apparently not even CG), her delicate frame, and the contrast of her going up against towering, muscular enemies – it all comes together beautifully.

They set this up well in the story: “You’re a girl. You don’t have brute strength. So fight like a girl.”

And she truly does. Every punch, kick, dodge, and gunshot feels more thrilling because of her physicality. She is slim, she looks fragile, but she moves like controlled lightning. And yes, a cinematic detail that made me smile – no matter how many bombs she dodges or knives she takes, her makeup doesn’t move. Not even a little. Unrealistic? Completely. Do I care? Not at all. Because the fun is intact. Because I am enjoying myself. And at the end of the day, that’s what matters.

There are 3–4 standout shots where her body is literally lifted and thrown, and the impact is so high that you feel it. She sells those moments effortlessly.

And I’m telling the truth: By the time the first half ended, I felt my money was already recovered.

Somewhere in between, I even had a small delusional thought: “What if I wear a pink shirt while recording this review… what if Ana sees it someday… what if she calls me?”

Two minutes of delusion. Let me enjoy that also.

And yes, since No Time To Die, I’ve had a personal bias toward her. I admit it. You admit it. We all admit it.

3. John Wick – Brief, Brutal, and Completely Dominant

The third selling point is, of course, John Wick. His screen time is short, but the impact? Gigantic.

His action should no longer be called action – it should be called humiliation. The purpose is not to kill; the purpose is to insult the enemy, make them rethink their entire life.

And here’s what I respect about the filmmakers: When you bring an already established powerhouse like John Wick into a spin-off, don’t weaken him just to make the new protagonist shine.

Thankfully, they didn’t.

They kept his power intact. His aura unaffected. His dominance undiluted. There’s a very real sense that if Wick decided to go full serious, he could finish the entire film in two minutes.

That respect for character is what makes his inclusion feel meaningful.

Atmosphere, Music & The John Wick Universe Touches

The film throws in small references that acknowledge the massive cultural aura surrounding John Wick. I won’t describe them, because they border on spoilers, but the nods are clever.

The music is energetic and aligns well with the action. The vibe of the world is consistent with the main franchise, yet distinct enough to give Ballerina its own identity. As a mid-timeline story set between two major chapters of the Wick saga, it fits neatly without feeling forced.

Flaws? Yes. Deal-breakers? Not at All.

No movie is flawless, and Ballerina has its share of rough edges.

• Some action scenes (like the flamethrower sequence) feel overextended.
• Certain exposition dumps feel slightly heavy or abrupt.
• A few moments stretch logic, but then again – it’s an action film set in the Wick Universe, not a documentary.

But the film compensates for all of this with consistent entertainment, stylish execution, and a lead performance you can’t take your eyes off.

This is not a masterpiece. This is not a genre-defining reinvention. But it is a thoroughly enjoyable, well-crafted action ride. If you walk in expecting fun, not perfection, you will come out smiling.

Final Verdict

When I watched Ana de Armas sparring alongside James Bond in No Time To Die, I knew instantly – I’m gone. And today, watching her anchor an entire film with elegance, fury, and charm, I felt that same excitement.

Ballerina succeeds because it knows its strengths:

• Excellent action
• A captivating lead
• Good music
• Just the right sprinkle of John Wick

Together, they create a robust, energetic film that delivers what it promises.

And ultimately, I enjoyed it. And when I enjoy something – even if only for those two moments of happiness – I’m satisfied.

Rating: 4/5

A stylish, thrilling, and highly enjoyable action spin-off that stands tall on its own.