Uma Thurman, Lana Condor, and Maddie Ziegler headline “Pretty Lethal.” Written by Kate Freund and directed by Vicky Lewson, the film imagines a group of ballerinas stranded in a bar, forced to confront a mob boss. Featuring Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, Iris Apatow, and Ziegler, the film attempts a blend of action and comedy reminiscent of 70s exploitation, yet aims for charm akin to teen comedies like “Bring It On.” The movie is produced by David Leitch of “John Wick,” but falls short of its inspirations, lacking the bold style and surprise to stand out.
Set primarily in the rundown Teremok Inn, the film begins in a ballet studio with characters like the entitled Princess (Condor) and the rival tough girl, Bones (Ziegler). When their bus breaks down, they stumble upon the inn, owned by a former ballerina (Thurman), inadvertently landing in a perilous situation. Though the film promises excitement with stylized action and a dramatic setting, its reliance on a drab color palette and conventional costume choices detract from its potential.
The plot progresses slowly to the action, with the ballerinas eventually turning their artistry into combat skills for survival. Despite attempts at character depth and dynamic visuals, the film struggles with predictable stereotypes and uninspired dialogue. The action scenes, such as a ballet-fueled brawl amidst damp, white tutus, provide occasional thrills but fail to deliver a consistently engaging or innovative experience.
Performance-wise, Condor transitions from her rom-com background to a more biting role, while Ziegler and Simmonds deliver more nuanced portrayals despite the script’s limitations. Apatow and Avantika have less to work with, though Thurman’s presence adds a darkly entertaining touch. “Pretty Lethal” offers a familiar night-in movie option but misses the mark for something more distinctively bizarre and captivating. Premiering at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival, it streams on Prime Video starting March 25.