At SXSW 2026, I watched the world premiere of Pretty Lethal, and it’s an action-packed thriller that doesn’t hold back. Directed by Vicky Jewson and written by Kate Freund, the film follows five ballerinas stranded in a remote forest who take refuge at a mysterious roadside inn. What begins as an unsettling scenario quickly escalates into a bloody, high-stakes fight for survival, as the women weaponize years of training, turning grace, discipline—and even pointe shoes—into tools of lethal power.
The film’s main cast—Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, Maddie Ziegler, and the always engaging Uma Thurman—delivers performances that are both stylish and intense. This young ensemble doesn’t disappoint, and clever dialogue keeps the tempo lively. Thurman is especially mesmerizing as her character shifts between evil and passion, though her storyline, like much of the plot, feels a bit unclear. Despite this, the film clearly states that women are powerful, resourceful, and capable of commanding the screen even amid relentless violence.
Visually, Pretty Lethal is wild and captivating. Jewson and her team embrace stylized, energetic action, transforming ballet into an unexpectedly inventive form of combat. The choreography of both dance and fight scenes is exhilarating, giving the film a unique energy that keeps the audience hooked despite the small cast of just seven women. It’s clear from both the film and the Q&A session that this was a women-centered project, from cast to crew, with a theme highlighting female strength and resilience—even when surrounded by men who are consistently terrible and violent, with none showing any redeeming qualities.
Pretty Lethal is pretty violent and pretty bloody, which makes the stakes feel real, but I have to admit the ending was a bit disappointing. Compared to the intensity of the first two acts, the “explosive” conclusion at the inn feels abrupt and anticlimactic, leaving the core conflict too quickly resolved. Still, Thurman does not disappoint, and the movie succeeds as a visually striking, feminist-leaning thriller that entertains from start to finish.
Overall, Pretty Lethal is an adrenaline-driven experience with strong performances, creative action, and a clear focus on women’s power. While the ending falters, the journey to get there is certainly exciting. The film is currently streaming on Prime Video, and it’s worth watching for anyone who enjoys stylish, intense, women-led thrillers.