Ballerina (marketed as From the World of John Wick: Ballerina) is a gritty and stylized action thriller set in the same violent universe as the hit John Wick franchise.
Directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten, this spin-off takes place between John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4.
Ana de Armas stars as Eve Macarro, a deadly assassin-in-training who seeks vengeance for her father’s death while mastering the combat traditions of the Ruska Roma.
Reprising their roles from earlier films are Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Anjelica Huston, and the late Lance Reddick in his final screen appearance.
The film also features Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus in pivotal roles.
With its brutal choreography, intense shootouts, and emotional stakes, Ballerina maintains the signature style of its parent series while carving out a new path through the underworld of assassins.
Ballerina Age Rating
Ballerina is rated R for strong/bloody violence throughout, and language. Here’s a closer look at what this means for families and guardians:
Violence
Violence is the most prominent element. The film includes numerous intense action scenes featuring hand-to-hand combat, close-quarters gunfights, knife violence, and explosive encounters.
Bloodshed is frequent, with scenes showing bullet wounds, stabbings, and fatalities in graphic detail. As with other John Wick films, the violence is stylized but visceral, often accompanied by realistic sound design and choreography. There are scenes of torture and revenge that may be disturbing to some viewers.
Language
Strong language is used throughout the film, including multiple uses of the f-word and other profanity consistent with the tone of an R-rated action thriller. Language reinforces the hardened, dangerous environment of the assassin world.
Sexual Content
Sexual content is limited. There may be scenes with flirtation, close physical contact, or sensuality, but no nudity or explicit sex is expected based on franchise precedent and current rating notes.
Mature Themes
Themes of vengeance, trauma, grief, and the ethics of assassination are central to the story. Characters struggle with loyalty, identity, and the psychological consequences of violence. The setting includes criminal organizations, secret societies, and moral ambiguity.
Is Ballerina Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable: This film is far too violent and thematically dark for preteens. The graphic combat scenes and adult tone make it inappropriate for viewers in this age group.
Ages 13–17: Not recommended: While some mature teens may be drawn to Ballerina due to their interest in action films or the John Wick series, the unrelenting violence and adult content are excessive for most viewers under 17. The R-rating is fully justified, and parents should exercise caution even with older teens.
Ballerina is a stylized and emotionally intense action film that aligns with the mature tone of the John Wick universe. It is best suited for adults aged 18 and up.
What Parents Can Do
Preview the Film: Given the R-rating, parents should watch the film themselves or read detailed content descriptions before allowing teens to view it.
Discuss Violence vs. Fiction: If older teens do see the movie, talk about the fictional nature of the violence and the consequences of revenge.
Reinforce Context: Clarify that while the action may be visually impressive, it reflects a fictionalized, extreme world not meant to be emulated.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: Why is Ballerina rated?
A: Ballerina is rated R for strong/bloody violence throughout and language.
Q: Is Ballerina appropriate for teens?
A: No. Due to its graphic violence and mature tone, it is not recommended for viewers under 17.
Q: How violent is Ballerina?
A: Extremely. The film features intense gun battles, knife fights, and stylized but graphic deaths with bloodshed and realistic injuries.
Q: Does Ballerina include nudity or sex scenes?
A: There may be suggestive moments, but no explicit sexual content or nudity has been reported.
Q: Do I need to watch all the John Wick movies before Ballerina?
A: While it’s set between Chapters 3 and 4, prior familiarity will enhance the experience but isn’t strictly necessary.
Q: When will Ballerina be released?
A: Ballerina is scheduled to be released theatrically on June 6, 2025. John Wick: Ballerina | Official Movie Site