When Ballerinas Become Warriors: The Surprising Delight of 'Pretty Lethal'
There’s something undeniably captivating about watching grace collide with grit. Pretty Lethal, the latest offering from 87North, takes this juxtaposition to a whole new level. On the surface, it’s a high-octane action flick about a ballet troupe fighting for survival. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a clever commentary on teamwork, resilience, and the unexpected ways in which art can intersect with chaos. Personally, I think this is where the film truly shines—it’s not just about the fights; it’s about the transformation of these dancers from fragile artists into resourceful warriors.
The Setup: When Ballet Meets Mayhem
The premise is simple yet brilliant: a group of ballerinas, en route to a prestigious competition in Budapest, find themselves stranded in a dive bar after their bus breaks down. What starts as a minor inconvenience quickly spirals into a fight for their lives when they witness a murder and become targets of the bar’s ruthless owner, Devora (Uma Thurman). What makes this particularly fascinating is how the film uses the dancers’ unique skills—their agility, precision, and discipline—as tools for survival. It’s not just about brute strength; it’s about intelligence and adaptability.
The Characters: Dysfunctional Yet Endearing
At the heart of Pretty Lethal is the dynamic between Maddie Ziegler’s Bones and Lana Condor’s Princess. Bones, a streetwise underdog, and Princess, a privileged prima donna, are the yin and yang of the troupe. Their rivalry is predictable, but their eventual partnership feels earned, not forced. What many people don’t realize is how rare it is to see female characters in action films grow through conflict rather than despite it. Their relationship gives the film its emotional core, making their survival feel personal, not just procedural.
The supporting cast, while less developed, adds flavor to the mix. Avantika’s Grace, a religious dancer who accidentally gets dosed with Molly, provides some of the film’s best comedic moments. Her high-energy antics are a stark contrast to the tension of the plot, and it works surprisingly well. Iris Apatow and Millicent Simmonds play sisters, but their characters feel underutilized—a missed opportunity, in my opinion, given Simmonds’ talent.
The Action: Ballet as a Weapon
Here’s where Pretty Lethal truly stands out. The fight choreography isn’t just about punching and kicking; it’s about leveraging the dancers’ training. Razor blades in pointe shoes, high kicks that double as weapons—it’s inventive and visually stunning. Director Vicky Jewson and 87North strike a perfect balance between realism and spectacle. The ballerinas aren’t superhuman; they’re resourceful. When Bones injures her hand trying to punch a thug, it’s a stark reminder of their vulnerability. This raises a deeper question: What does it mean to be strong when you’re physically outmatched?
Uma Thurman: A Villain with Untapped Potential
Casting Uma Thurman as the villain, Devora, feels like a missed opportunity. Thurman, a legend in the action genre, is reduced to barking orders at her goons rather than engaging in the action herself. While her character has a tragic backstory, it’s delivered with such heavy-handedness that it feels more like an afterthought than a compelling arc. From my perspective, this is the film’s biggest flaw—why cast such an iconic action star and not let her shine?
The Broader Implications: Art as Survival
What this film really suggests is that art—in this case, ballet—isn’t just about beauty; it’s about discipline, precision, and resilience. The dancers’ training becomes their greatest asset, a detail that I find especially interesting. It challenges the stereotype of artists as fragile or one-dimensional. If you take a step back and think about it, Pretty Lethal is a love letter to the versatility of human skills. Who knew pirouettes could be so deadly?
Final Thoughts: A Friday Night Gem
Pretty Lethal isn’t perfect, but it’s a hell of a good time. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet still manages to deliver a satisfying blend of action, humor, and heart. Ziegler and Condor’s chemistry is electric, and the fight sequences are a refreshing departure from the typical punch-fest. In my opinion, it’s the perfect addition to Prime Video’s growing library of action flicks.
So, the next time you’re looking for a movie that’s equal parts fun and fierce, give Pretty Lethal a spin. Just remember: never underestimate a ballerina with something to prove.
