Ballerina (2024) is a gripping action-thriller set in the John Wick universe, following the journey of a young assassin named Rooney, portrayed by Ana de Armas. Accordingly unlike the traditional action hero, Rooneyβs unique set of skills comes from her background in ballet. She combines elegant dance moves with brutal and effective combat tactics. The story centers on her relentless pursuit of vengeance after a violent tragedy strikes her lifeβher family is murdered by a powerful criminal syndicate. However consumed by grief and anger, Rooney uses her training to exact bloody revenge. Lest she dives headfirst into the dangerous world of assassins and organized crime, where danger lurks at every turn.
As the plot of Ballerina unfolds, Rooney navigates the violent underworld, where every ally could be a potential enemy. Along her journey, she encounters other assassins, each with their own motivations and personal stakes. This dynamic adds layers of tension and intrigue to her path. Rooney faces difficult choices, balancing her quest for justice with the harsh reality of her violent lifestyle. As the film progresses, she uncovers dark secrets about the people behind her familyβs murder. This discovery forces her to question her mission and even her identity, as she grapples with who she has become.
At the heart of the film lies Rooney’s internal struggle with her emotions and the brutal world she inhabits. Her quest for revenge drives her to confront her past, including the brutal training that transformed her into a weapon of destruction. Flashbacks to her childhood provide deeper insights into her motivations and why she became an assassin. The action scenes in Ballerina blend breathtaking ballet choreography with hard-hitting combat, showcasing her ability to fight with both grace and deadly precision. The contrast between her choreography and the surrounding violence highlights the duality of her existence.
As the tension builds, Rooney must outsmart and overcome powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their criminal empire. She faces betrayal, deception, and moral dilemmas as she works her way to the top. The story culminates in an explosive showdown, forcing Rooney to reckon with her past choices. By the end, she must make a life-altering decisionβcontinue down the path of vengeance and destruction or find a way to break the cycle of violence that has consumed her life. Ballerina is not just an action-packed thriller but also an emotional journey about redemption, identity, and the cost of revenge. The film offers a fresh perspective on the assassin genre, blending grace with brutality in an unforgettable way.