From the World of John Wick Ballerina (2025) hits Indian theaters with a vengeance — and Ana de Armas is in full killer mode. Released on June 12, 2025, in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, this high-octane action thriller brings a fresh, female-led twist to the beloved Wickverse.
Directed by Len Wiseman (with reshoots by Chad Stahelski), Ballerina is set between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, and features key franchise characters like Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, and Anjelica Huston.
John Wick Ballerina Movie Highlights
- Release Date (India): June 12, 2025
- Languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu
- Duration: 2 Hours 5 Minutes
- Director: Len Wiseman (Reshoots by Chad Stahelski)
- Streaming Platforms: Theatrical release now; Expected later on Lionsgate Play or Netflix India
- Cast: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Norman Reedus, Lance Reddick
Plot: Ballet Meets Brutality
Ana de Armas plays Eve Macarro, a ballerina-turned-assassin trained by the Ruska Roma. After her father’s murder by a mysterious cult, Eve sets out on a blood-soaked path of revenge. Rescued by Winston (Ian McShane) and trained under The Director (Anjelica Huston), Eve hunts down the killers in a snowy European showdown filled with grenades, flamethrowers, and ice skates.
“The second half is absolute chaos — and fans are here for it,” says IGN.
Performances: Ana de Armas Steals the Show
Ana de Armas delivers a career-defining performance — fierce, vulnerable, and dangerously unpredictable. Her action style differs from John Wick’s sleek precision, instead embracing chaos with everyday objects and brutal ballet choreography.
- Keanu Reeves appears in an extended cameo as John Wick, adding emotional depth.
- Ian McShane and Anjelica Huston return with gravitas.
- Lance Reddick, in one of his final roles as Charon, delivers a poignant farewell.
- Norman Reedus is underutilized but memorable.
“Ana isn’t just a female Wick — she’s a new kind of assassin altogether.” – The Hindu
Direction & Action: Slow Start, Explosive Finish
The first act drags slightly with exposition-heavy scenes, but the second half explodes with pure Wick-style action. Highlights include:
- Grenade-fueled armory battle
- Flamethrower duel in a frozen village
- Restaurant fight with Buster Keaton-style slapstick
Director Len Wiseman struggles with pacing early on, but Stahelski’s touch turns the latter half into a visual and visceral treat.
“One of the best flamethrower sequences in modern cinema.” – Rotten Tomatoes
Music & Visuals: Stylish and Gritty
- Soundtrack: Halsey, Amy Lee (Evanescence), and K.Flay add edge with songs like “Fight Like a Girl.”
- Score: Composed by Tyler Bates & Joel J. Richard — intense but not as iconic as Chapter 4.
- Visuals: From the icy landscapes of Austria to the mythic Tarkovsky Theater, every scene oozes Ruska Roma mystique.
- Tech Specs: Dolby Vision 4K HDR delivers a stunning experience for home release.
Box Office & Reception: Mixed But Promising
- Global Box Office: $58.5 million (as of June 13, 2025)
- Opening Weekend (US/Canada): $24.5 million
- Rotten Tomatoes: 75% (Critics), “Graceful and gory”
- Metacritic: 59/100 – “Mixed or Average”
- Fan Reactions (X): Divided — some love the chaos, others miss Wick’s tight storytelling
“Ballerina is no Chapter 4, but it proves the Wickverse can survive without Keanu in the lead.” – IndieWire
Why You Should Watch John Wick Ballerina
Watch it for:
- Ana de Armas’s powerful performance
- Bonkers action sequences (grenades, roller skates, flamethrowers!)
- Emotional depth from characters like Charon & Winston
- Stunning snowy visuals and gritty fight choreography
Skip it if:
- You expect Wick-level storytelling from start to finish
- You dislike slow-paced openings
- You prefer standalone stories with no prior franchise knowledge
Final Verdict: ⭐ 3.5/5
John Wick Ballerina may stumble early, but it pirouettes into pure, explosive fun by the end. It’s not a masterpiece, but for fans of the John Wick universe, it’s a worthy spin-off that proves Ana de Armas has the chops (and kicks) to carry the franchise forward.
Where to Watch
In Theaters Now — Available in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu
Book Tickets on: BookMyShow, PVR, or INOX
Streaming Soon on Lionsgate Play or Netflix India (TBD)
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