Exploring the Complex Legacy of Knock Knock with Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas

LOS ANGELES, CA — Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas previously collaborated in the 2015 film Knock Knock, an erotic thriller directed by Eli Roth. This film, coinciding with the rise of both actors, serves as a notable prelude to their latest project, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, set to release in 2025.

Knock Knock, which has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 37%, features Reeves as Evan Webber, an architect who is unexpectedly caught in a disturbing situation when two young women arrive at his home during a storm. Critics have noted the film’s exploration of heavy themes, but reviews have been mixed, with many labeling it a misguided addition to the thriller genre.

The film reflects a modern update of the 1977 movie Death Game by Peter S. Traynor. Roth’s version also incorporates elements like social media, changing the narrative focus and ending. Despite its low acclaim, industry insiders acknowledge the film as both a hallmark of de Armas’ career and an atypical project for Reeves, who had risen to fame through his role in John Wick.

Ana de Armas, a Cuban-Spanish actress, gained recognition for her portrayal of Carolina in the Spanish series El Internado. Interestingly, her role in Knock Knock marked her first performance in English, which required her to learn her lines phonetically. Critics praised her convincing portrayal of Bel, the film’s complex character.

Despite the film’s low Rotten Tomatoes score, some audience members have expressed appreciation for its uncomfortable themes, viewing it as a satirical commentary on home invasion narratives. Reeves mentioned in a 2015 interview that the script and story appealed to him due to the “fun elements” present in the film.

As audiences anticipate Ballerina, revisiting Knock Knock offers insight into the evolution of both Reeves and de Armas as they navigate their unique paths within Hollywood.