Pretty Lethal Review – Amazon's Ballerina Action Thriller Puts on a Decent Show
In a refreshing twist on the action genre, Amazon's new film Pretty Lethal delivers a Friday night adventure that is both cheap and cheerful. This ballet-themed thriller, fresh from its premiere at SXSW, features a group of American dancers facing off against Hungarian gangsters, with a delightfully over-the-top performance from Uma Thurman. Unlike last year's disappointing Ballerina, which failed to expand the John Wick universe or establish ballet action as a credible genre, Pretty Lethal cleverly integrates actual dance skills into its violent narrative.
A Neat Premise with Real Ballet Moves
The film's premise is simple yet effective: untrained fighters use their grit and stamina, honed through gruelling ballet practice, to take down eastern European villains. This gives Pretty Lethal a unique edge in an overcrowded field, positioning it as a film that actually delivers on the promise of ballet action. The story follows young American dancers, including Lana Condor, Maddie Ziegler, Millicent Simmonds, Iris Apatow, and Avantika, who are en route to a competition in Budapest when their bus breaks down in a remote area.
They soon encounter Uma Thurman's character, Devora, a former dancer who now runs a criminal enterprise from a secluded inn. Thurman embraces the role with a dodgy accent and extra ham, channeling a similar vibe to Anjelica Huston's performance in Ballerina. When the girls witness the true nature of Devora's operation, they find themselves trapped with bloodthirsty goons blocking their escape.
Fast-Paced Direction and Engaging Action
British director Vicky Jewson keeps the film moving at a brisk pace, with a runtime under 90 minutes ensuring no dull moments. While Kate Freund's script can feel basic at times, with underdeveloped character traits and overused clichés like the drug-taking trope, Jewson injects fun into the action sequences. The film borrows elements from sub-John Wick scenarios, creatively using the dancers' skills in combat—ballet pumps are transformed into shivs for satisfyingly brutal blows.
Although the plot requires a heavy suspension of disbelief, especially when the dancers take on multiple hardened henchmen, the earned tenacity of the characters keeps viewers engaged and on their side. The young actors, though given limited dialogue, are convincing as learned-on-the-job fighters, with Condor's comedic timing making her a standout.
R-Rated Energy and Campy Villainy
Pretty Lethal firmly plants itself in R-rated territory with plenty of slicing, stabbing, and severing, adding a burst of energy that elevates the film above typical action fare. Uma Thurman's performance as the big bad is hammy and entertaining, though it stops short of full scenery-devouring camp. Her re-embrace of ballet roots in the finale is a highlight, but one might wish for a bit more over-the-top villainy, perhaps akin to what Parker Posey could deliver.
The film avoids the suffocating smugness often found in modern action movies, especially those premiering at SXSW, maintaining a tone where everything matters just enough without taking itself too seriously. While Pretty Lethal might not rival John Wick in the action pantheon, it easily outshines Ballerina with its fun and focused execution.
Overall, Pretty Lethal is a decent enough show for those seeking a lighthearted, fast-paced thriller. It is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, offering a perfect option for a Friday night movie marathon.
