Ana de Armas
is joining the
John Wick
galaxy featuring the highly anticipated action film
Ballerina
, which will also include the comeback of
Keanu Reeves in the titular role
(As the movie unfolds between the third and fourth installments.) Nonetheless, these two performers have collaborated before; about ten years earlier, they appeared in another joint project which turned out to be
Ana de Armas\’ debut English-language film
and her start in Hollywood, the Eli Roth comedy-thriller,
Knock Knock
The movie continues to be a controversial work within the actors\’ collections, yet it demonstrated to audiences that De Armas was far more than merely a strikingly attractive young performer. Even though she had little grasp of what she was uttering back then, it stands as one of her strongest and most compelling roles to date.
That\’s because de Armas memorized her lines phonetically since she was still mastering English after relocating from Spain to Los Angeles when she was 26 years old. \”I learned it phonetically,\” she shared.
The Hollywood Reporter
“I wasn’t truly certain about what I was expressing.” Or, as she shared
C Magazine
I was uttering words without understanding their meanings, yet I was present. That’s all there was to it. I arrived punctually and was in the room for my audition.
Despite the linguistic differences, de Armas left both viewers and Hollywood heavyweights impressed. Keanu Reeves promptly invited her to join a project he was producing and acting in.
Daughter of God
(also known as
Exposed
)
Reeves and De Armas have built a strong collaborative partnership over the years, which they continue to maintain.
Ballerina
.
I\’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Keanu on three occasions so far,
Ballerina
was particularly special because it was me stepping into his world. The world of
John Wick
, which is immensely adored by the fans,\” de Armas mentioned.
IGN
In a statement through email, she said, \”I have great respect for Keanu both as an artist and as an individual. He is not only a guiding presence on set but also consistently demonstrates impeccable manners.\” She further commented:
His innovative ideas and contributions throughout rehearsals have consistently inspired me. He possesses an unparalleled understanding of these movies, which made working alongside him truly enjoyable. Seeing him arrive on set costumed as John felt almost dreamlike. That particular day remains etched in my memory. Ever since our first encounter, Keanu has served as a significant inspiration for me. The idea of collaborating with him once more had seemed far-fetched, yet now we find ourselves experiencing this wonderfully fulfilling cycle come full circle.
Actually, it was de Armas who persuaded Reeves to come back to the project.
John Wick
franchise in
Ballerina
Basil Inawyck, the founder of what has been a longstanding
John Wick
The production company is Thunder Road Films.
explained to Velvet Voque how crucial De Armas was
When discussing the inclusion of Keanu in the film, she had been acquainted with him for many years and played a role in reaching out and saying, ‘Let’s make this happen; come along, it will be enjoyable.’ She was certainly instrumental in sparking Keanu’s enthusiasm for the project. Additionally, since Keanu is a huge admirer of Ana, I believe his excitement grew significantly.
Ballerina
Once Ana joined us, \”We\’re thrilled as well.\”
What Exactly Was \”Knock Knock?\”
Horror director Eli Roth
(
Hostel
) experimented with something new
Knock Knock
This erotic thriller incorporates elements of dark comedy. It centers around a married man living alone after his spouse and children depart on a journey. One rainy evening, he finds himself unexpectedly hosting two young, drenched females at his doorstep—Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo shine as these visitors seeking shelter and assistance. They charm their host into engaging in a sexual encounter but then reveal themselves to be minors, subsequently threatening legal action unless coerced compliance from him ensues. This leads to both mental and physical torment inflicted upon him under duress.
This film has sparked considerable debate, largely due to viewers who consider it absurdly unrealistic or object to what they interpret as an overt feminist stance suggesting all men are boorish. However, this interpretation misses the mark since both female characters come across more as deranged villains rather than representatives of broader societal issues. While every character boasts striking good looks, their personalities leave much to be desired; Keanu Reeves might stand out slightly as somewhat relatable thanks to his widespread popularity, making scenes where he suffers torment at the hands of these beautiful yet unkind females particularly hard to stomach—especially for male audience members. Despite these elements, the acting throughout stands out brilliantly, offering a fascinating glimpse into Ana De Armas’ rise to fame and her dynamic alongside Reeves. To form your own opinion about whether you enjoy the movie, stream it gratis via The Roku Channel using the provided hyperlink.
Watch Knock Knock