Pretty Lethal Review: Amazon's Ballerina Action Thriller Puts on a Decent Show
Last year's Ballerina attempted to expand the John Wick universe while introducing the concept of a ballet action thriller, but ultimately failed on both counts. The film was confusing and misleading, featuring disappointingly few actual dance moves integrated into its action sequences.
A Fresh Take on Ballet Action
For those who felt shortchanged by the lack of arabesque kills in previous attempts, Amazon Prime Video's Pretty Lethal arrives as a satisfying alternative. This fresh-from-SXSW action film centers on ballet dancers who actually utilize their rigorous training to dispatch eastern European criminals with lethal precision.
The concept proves surprisingly effective, positioning women who may lack formal combat training but possess the grit, stamina, and physical discipline honed through years of demanding dance practice. In an overcrowded action genre, this approach gives the film a distinctive and elegantly executed advantage.
The Plot and Characters
The story follows a group of American dancers traveling to a competition in Budapest when their bus breaks down in remote Hungarian countryside. The ensemble features several recognizable young actors including Lana Condor from To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Maddie Ziegler, Millicent Simmonds from A Quiet Place, Iris Apatow, and Avantika from the Mean Girls remake.
Their predicament worsens when they encounter Uma Thurman's character Devora, a former dancer turned criminal entrepreneur who operates a remote inn. Thurman delivers a performance reminiscent of Anjelica Huston's role in Ballerina, complete with a dodgy accent and extra helpings of theatrical ham.
Action Sequences and Direction
When the dancers witness the true nature of Devora's operation, they find themselves trapped with bloodthirsty goons standing between them and freedom. British director Vicky Jewson maintains brisk pacing throughout the film's sub-90-minute runtime, though Kate Freund's economical script occasionally feels overly basic.
The character development remains somewhat limited, with dancers distinguished primarily by superficial traits like wealth status or family relationships. The film also employs the tired cliché of characters unknowingly consuming drugs, a trope that feels overdue for retirement.
Despite these shortcomings, Jewson demonstrates creativity in crafting action sequences that transfer ballet skills to combat situations. The film requires substantial suspension of disbelief during scenes where dancers face multiple hardened henchmen simultaneously, but the dancers' tenacity remains convincing enough to maintain audience engagement.
Violence and Performance
While the premise might initially suggest a post-Home Alone adventure, Jewson incorporates enough slicing, stabbing, and severing to firmly establish the film's R-rated territory. Ballet pumps transformed into makeshift weapons deliver particularly satisfying blows throughout the action sequences.
The young cast members prove game for their roles as learned-on-the-job fighters, with Lana Condor's comedic timing elevating her to standout status among the ensemble. As the primary antagonist, Uma Thurman embraces the hammy nature of her role, though some viewers might wish she had pushed further into full scenery-devouring camp territory, especially during the ballet-infused finale.
Overall Assessment
Pretty Lethal succeeds by avoiding the suffocating nihilism and smugness that often plagues modern action films, particularly those premiering at festivals like SXSW. The film maintains an appropriate level of seriousness for its premise, never taking itself too seriously while delivering solid entertainment value.
While these ballet-based fighters won't be challenging John Wick's supremacy anytime soon, they could easily outperform the disappointing Ballerina spin-off. For viewers seeking a fun, fast-paced action thriller with a unique premise, Pretty Lethal delivers exactly what its title promises.
The film is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, offering a satisfying alternative for action fans who appreciate creative fight choreography and unconventional heroines.
