When Pirouettes Meet Punches: The Unexpected Thrill of "Pretty Lethal"
It’s a concept that, on paper, might sound like a bizarre fever dream: a troupe of ballerinas, en route to a prestigious competition, find their bus breaking down in the middle of nowhere, only to stumble into a dive bar that becomes the stage for a brutal fight for survival. This is the premise of "Pretty Lethal," and I have to say, it’s a premise that could easily have gone terribly wrong. Yet, from my perspective, director Vicky Jewson and the action maestros at 87North have managed to craft something genuinely fun and surprisingly effective.
What makes this film particularly fascinating is how it leans into the inherent physicality of ballet and translates it into a unique brand of action. We’ve seen attempts before to make dancers into action heroes, but "Pretty Lethal" feels different. It doesn't just say ballerinas are tough; it shows it, weaving actual choreography and the discipline of dance into the very fabric of the fight sequences. Personally, I think this is where the film truly shines. The idea that teamwork, flexibility, and sheer physical prowess, honed through years of rigorous training, can be weaponized is a compelling one. It’s not about brute strength, but about precision, agility, and an almost uncanny ability to adapt. This is a far cry from the typical muscle-bound heroes we often see, and that’s precisely why it’s so refreshing.
One thing that immediately stands out is the film’s commitment to its central conceit. The petite ballerinas aren’t suddenly capable of throwing grown men across rooms. Instead, their victories come from surprise, cleverness, and the strategic application of their unique skill sets. The detail about razor blades in their shoes, for instance, is a small touch that speaks volumes about their resourcefulness. It underscores the idea that they are physically outmatched, and that their survival hinges on their intelligence and their ability to use their environment and their training to their advantage. This grounded approach to the action, where injuries are realistic (like Ziegler's character hurting her hand punching someone), makes their struggle feel more invested and, dare I say, more believable.
In my opinion, the dynamic between Maddie Ziegler's Bones and Lana Condor's Princess provides the emotional core that elevates the film beyond a simple action romp. Bones, the talented but rough-around-the-edges dancer, and Princess, the privileged star accustomed to the spotlight, represent a classic underdog pairing. Their initial friction, born from their vastly different backgrounds and ambitions, gradually gives way to a grudging respect and then genuine camaraderie as they face mortal danger. This character development, even within the brisk eighty-eight-minute runtime, is what truly gives the movie its heart. It’s a testament to how even in the midst of chaos, human connection and the necessity of collaboration can emerge.
However, if you take a step back and think about it, there are a few missed opportunities that are worth noting. Uma Thurman, a powerhouse of the action genre, is cast as the villain, Devora. While it’s an interesting choice to place her in a more commanding, less physical role, it feels like a bit of a cheat. I expected to see her unleash some of her iconic action prowess, but instead, she's largely relegated to orchestrating the mayhem from afar. While the film attempts to imbue her character with some depth and pathos, particularly towards the end, it feels a little too convenient and, frankly, a bit heavy-handed. It’s a shame when a performer with such a formidable action background is underutilized in that regard.
Despite these minor quibbles, "Pretty Lethal" is, without a doubt, a blast. It’s the kind of film that’s perfect for a casual Friday night viewing, especially if you’ve had a couple of drinks and are ready to switch off your brain and enjoy some well-executed, creative action. 87North has once again delivered a polished product, and director Vicky Jewson has a keen eye for staging exciting sequences. What this film really suggests is that there's a rich vein of untapped potential in exploring the unique physical disciplines of various professions and translating them into compelling action narratives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected sources can yield the most entertaining results.
