Keanu Reeves has had an interesting career since the 90s and has been labeled one of the bonafide action heroes in Hollywood. Instead of the macho, indestructible type of heroes presented by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, Reeves’s heroes are vulnerable yet are determined to overcome all obstacles.
These traits are seen in films such as Point Break, Speed, Matrix, and the John Wick films. Outside of his action films, Reeves is not considered a strong dramatic performer and many have criticized his acting abilities in films such as Much Ado About Nothing, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Another failed attempt at an intriguing thriller was 2015’s Knock Knock where his unconvincing performance was exposed.
Fans Agree That Keanu Reeves’ Knock Knock Shows His Weakness As A Dramatic Performer
Keanu Reeves has been known as the action hero for most of his career and most of his successful films are indeed films of that genre. The actor has also tried his hand at dramatic roles in films such as The Lake House, Sweet November, Siberia, Exposed, and Replicas. However, none of them succeeded at the box office and his acting did not elevate the underwhelming material in those films.
Another film that had great potential was 2015’s Knock Knock directed by Eli Roth, where Reeves starred alongside Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo. It chronicles a man’s life that turns upside down after he lets in two women during a rainy night. The two girls wreak havoc in his quiet life as they vandalize and assault Reeves’ character to no end throughout the film.
Audiences were supposed to feel bad at the continuing deterioration of the man’s mental state as the two girls destroy his house. But Reeves’ poor acting failed to convince them of the peril and emotional turmoil that the character is going through. Here are some of the reactions on Reddit,
The film’s intention to deliver a wickedly twisted thriller succeeded in parts but The Matrix star’s unconvincing performance limited it from reaching the heights of Death Game, the film that inspired it. Knock Knock was a flop at the box office grossing only 6.3 million against its $10 million budget (via The Numbers). Reeves and de Armas are set to reunite in the upcoming John Wick spinoff Ballerina.
Ana de Armas Is Excited For Character-Driven Ballerina And Her Reunion With Keanu Reeves
Ana de Armas shows off her action skills in 2019’s No Time To Die in her scene-stealing cameo appearance. She is set to lead the upcoming John Wick spinoff Ballerina opposite Keanu Reeves. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the actress revealed that her limited training in the James Bond film gave her a basic knowledge of the action that these huge films require.
The Knives Out actress further teased the physically demanding role in Ballerina stating that the film has a great story and a character-driven narrative. She is a fan of the John Wick universe and loved reuniting with Reeves after Knock Knock and Exposed. De Armas said,
[With] Paloma, I had very little [action training], but it was very intense, with a great crew, and that for sure, you know, allowed me [have a good base of knowledge]. That is gonna be really another level. That movie was really demanding! You know, I love the John Wick universe and I loved working with Keanu again. It’s a great character and it’s a great story, it’s beautiful on screen. I’m very excited for that one.
In addition to Reeves and de Armas, Ballerina will also star Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, and Ian McShane. The film is set between the events of John Wick: Chapters 3 and 4. John Wick Presents: Ballerina will hit theatres on June 6, 2025.
Fans can watch Knock Knock on Prime Video.
