Ballerina’s New Trailer Dives Deep into the John Wick Universe, but Misses a Beat
Lionsgate’s latest offering from the ever-expanding John Wick universe, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, has dropped a new trailer, and while the action is undeniably impressive, the sequencing raises a few eyebrows. The film, headlined by Ana de Armas, promises a deep dive into the world of assassins and vengeance, but the trailer’s choices regarding pacing and reveals might have inadvertently dampened the excitement for a key plot point.
The trailer opens with a captivating Slavic monologue, steeped in folklore. The voice speaks of a kikimora, a mythical spirit embodying vengeance against those with darkness in their hearts, while simultaneously acting as a guardian of the innocent. The visual pairing of this monologue with footage already seen in the previous trailer – De Armas’s Eve wreaking havoc in a nightclub – makes the connection clear: Eve is likely being portrayed as this very kikimora, a force of righteous fury unleashed upon the wicked. A particularly violent scene, featuring Eve shooting a woman, reinforces this idea, suggesting that her targets are not merely random victims but individuals deserving of her brand of justice.
The narrative premise, as established in earlier glimpses, centers on Eve’s quest to avenge the murder of her father. Her only lead is a cryptic tattoo, a symbol that presumably holds the key to identifying the perpetrators. This journey leads her through the familiar, stylish underworld of the Continental, where she encounters Winston Scott, portrayed by Ian McShane, and Charon, played by the late, great Lance Reddick. Their presence confirms the film’s deep integration into the existing John Wick mythology, offering fans a comforting sense of continuity and expanding the universe’s lore.
The trailer showcases a barrage of action sequences, highlighting Eve’s brutal efficiency. Explosions, flamethrowers, and gunfights punctuate her relentless pursuit of justice. The sheer scale and creativity of the action choreography are undeniable, promising a visually stunning and visceral experience for audiences. From grenade explosions behind closed doors to a daring shootout from a damaged car, Eve demonstrates a lethal skillset that places her firmly within the ranks of the John Wick universe’s most formidable assassins.
However, the most anticipated element of the trailer, and indeed the film, is the inevitable showdown between Eve and John Wick himself. While the trailer teases this encounter, it’s where the sequencing issue becomes apparent. The previous trailer showed Eve and John Wick seemingly working together, hinting at a potential alliance or mentorship. This revelation, revealed so early in the marketing campaign, significantly diminishes the impact of the teased confrontation in the new trailer.
Knowing that they eventually join forces lessens the tension surrounding their initial meeting. The anticipation of a fierce battle, a clash between two highly skilled assassins, is replaced by the knowledge that they will ultimately find common ground. While the fight itself will undoubtedly be visually impressive, the emotional weight and suspense are undeniably reduced. The trailer essentially defuses a key element of intrigue by showcasing a future development before establishing the initial conflict.
It begs the question: would this trailer have been more effective as the first trailer? Introducing Eve as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing her violent quest for vengeance, and then teasing a confrontation with John Wick would have built a stronger sense of anticipation. The mystery surrounding their relationship would have fueled speculation and generated greater excitement for the film’s release.
Despite this strategic misstep, the trailer does offer a tantalizing clue that reignites some intrigue. By explicitly stating that the film takes place during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4, the trailer raises the stakes significantly. This placement in the timeline introduces a crucial question: does Eve survive her mission? Given the perilous world she inhabits and the brutal nature of her quest, her survival is far from guaranteed. This uncertainty adds a layer of suspense, prompting viewers to ponder the ultimate fate of this new character.
The use of Charli XCX’s "Von Dutch" in a dark, movie trailer rendition adds a contemporary and edgy feel to the trailer. The song’s driving beat and subversive lyrics complement the trailer’s themes of vengeance and female empowerment. This music choice effectively captures the film’s tone, blending action and attitude with a modern sensibility.
Ultimately, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina promises to be a stylish and action-packed addition to the John Wick franchise. Ana de Armas embodies the character of Eve with a fierce determination, and the film’s integration into the existing mythology is sure to please fans. While the trailer’s sequencing choices may have inadvertently lessened the impact of the John Wick confrontation, the film’s placement within the established timeline introduces a compelling element of suspense, leaving audiences to wonder whether Eve will ultimately survive her relentless pursuit of vengeance. The answer awaits when Ballerina hits theaters on June 6th. The question is whether or not the film will live up to the hype, and more importantly, if Eve can establish herself as a worthwhile addition to the already established world. Her kikimora-like persona should make her a force to be reckoned with, but only time will tell if her character arc is truly captivating.
