Note: Spoilers for Ballerina are included in this article.
High-octane action. Complex fight sequences. Stunning stunts. These descriptors perfectly embody the John Wick series, widely considered the pinnacle of modern action films. The franchise now expands with Ballerina, a spinoff that centers on a female assassin, played by Ana de Armas, who seeks revenge for her father’s death. If you were apprehensive that Ballerina might deviate from the series’ established flair, worry not. Catalina Sandino Moreno, one of the film’s stars, experienced the exhilarating stunts firsthand.
“The stunt doubles are absolutely amazing,” Moreno shared during an interview. “They are incredibly passionate about their craft. The adrenaline flows through them, and watching them in action is simply remarkable.”
Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina introduces Eve Macarro, portrayed by de Armas, who grows up as an orphan training with the Ruska Roma to become a skilled assassin. As an adult, she embarks on a mission to avenge her father’s murder. Her journey takes her to the Continental in Prague, where she encounters another assassin, Lena. Like Eve, Lena has a troubled past, raised by the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne) in an isolated Austrian village filled entirely with assassins.
Both women share remarkable traits—expert marksmanship, combat skills, and resilience—as it turns out they are sisters. This surprising plot twist left Moreno shocked when she first encountered the script.
“I never expected to discover their relationship,” Moreno commented. “Reflecting on my character, I saw that she was an orphan raised by the Chancellor, who served as a father figure. With Eve’s background of losing her father and her absent mother, hindsight makes it clear.”
The film delivers a riveting third act filled with relentless violence and an escalating body count, featuring Keanu Reeves’ John Wick as he once again proves his mettle as the ultimate assassin. After her experience in a John Wick film, Moreno has developed a deeper appreciation for action movies.
“Making an action film is incredibly demanding,” Moreno explained. “You have to be mindful of each other to prevent injuries, as accidents do happen. Every movement must be precise and intentional. My perspective on action films has transformed entirely.”
Ballerina is currently showing in theaters.
