Outside of spandex and things that bump in the night, there have been very few recent cinema success stories like John Wick. From the humble beginnings of an almost straight-to-DVD death to standing next to the likes of Ethan Hunt and James Bond as the defining faces of the action genre, Wick's ascent is a fantastic example of "from the roots up" filmmaking - that is, original characters not already based on IP. And while there is a collective desire to see this franchise succeed, does Chapter 4 - its possible swansong - manage to do so on its own merit?
Determined to finally defeat the High Table, Wick sets out on a path that could end his suffering forever - but friends, foes and powerful agencies stand in the way of his freedom. Keanu Reeves returns as the titular Wick, alongside franchise regulars Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne and Lance Reddick, welcoming series newcomers Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgard and Rina Sawayama. Chad Stahelski returns to the director's chair.
Continuing what has been a relatively consistent series (my misgivings with Chapter 2 aside), John Wick: Chapter 4 is another impressive swing at the genre, leaving audiences enthralled in the bloody action of a man fighting for his freedom. Even more grandiose than we have come to expect, there is an operatic quality to John Wick: Chapter 4 that guaranteed a thrilling viewing experience as the relentlessly entertaining entry catapults between set pieces. Stahelski's sharp eye helps deliver some of the series' most impressive moments - sure, the fight sequences are overly indulgent, but it never feels like a second has been wasted, executed with the same precision that John Wick executes the series' henchmen. Thanks to cinematographer Dan Laustsen, every shot dazzles, a visual feast that benefits the world-building fantastically.
Written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, John Wick: Chapter 4 is the most expansive work in the series to date, furthering the work of the three previous films in a way that feels appropriate and beneficial to the franchise's future. No doubt supported by Nathan Orloff, Chapter 4's editor, who strikes a fine balance between excessive and earned, the almost three-hour runtime rarely becomes a chore, a well-measured and evolving three-act structure. Leaning more into its comedic side than ever before, appropriate given (respectfully) the decreasing plausibility of the story, the use of humour and overall wink-nudge approach provides a much-needed breath amongst the violence and pandemonium.
Of course, Keanu Reeves is responsible for a lot of the heavy lifting and shoulders the physical burden of an undertaking like Wick. He rolls with every punch, the persistency of the action sequences a challenge that Reeves takes on with commitment; supported by Reeves' off-screen warmth, our support of Wick both as a cinematic entity and individual character is unparalleled - you want him to get up and fight every time he is knocked down. A lot has been written about his almost wordless turn but he may lack in dialogue, Reeves more than makes up for with his commitment to the role and his indelible imprint on the wider action genre.
McShane, Fishburne and Reddick all return to the fold with reliably efficient performances, leaving the spotlight to shine on the newcomers. Yen executes a difficult role with ease and empathy, adding dimensions to what could have become a one-note character while succeeding on the physical demands of the story. Skarsgard is a domineering figure who emits a genuine uneasiness fitting for such a pivotal figure in the John Wick mythology; maybe the accent is overdone at times, but his presence is the real talking point here. And, in her feature film debut no less, Sawayama stuns: a terrific addition to the cast, Sawayama carries an emotional gravitas that reinforces the series' overarching themes of family, while executing the physicality of the role with apparent ease. If there's a future for the John Wick series without its leading man, my money is with Sawayama.
Whether this truly is the swansong remains to be seen - reports of a John Wick 5 involving Reeves are conflicting, although a number of spin-offs set within the universe are already in production - John Wick: Chapter 4 would be a satisfying note to conclude this largely successful series on. A stylish, grandiose and thrilling feature that rightfully scales the franchises to new heights while remaining thematically true to its roots, Chapter 4 may just well be the franchises' strongest, and most entertaining entry to date.