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Exploring the Uncommon Pairing of Reeves and de Armas in ‘Knock Knock’

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Keanu Reeves Ana De Armas Knock Knock

Los Angeles, CA — As anticipation builds for the release of ‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’ in 2025, it’s worth looking back at Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas‘ earlier collaboration in the 2015 film ‘Knock Knock.’ This unsettling erotic thriller marks the first time the two actors shared the screen, preceding their latest project by nearly a decade.

<p'Eli Roth‘s ‘Knock Knock’ tells the story of Evan Webber, played by Reeves, whose life takes a dark turn when two young women seek shelter at his home during a rainstorm. The film takes a shocking direction as the characters engage in psychological manipulation, using social media to torture and ultimately frame him for heinous acts. Though ‘Knock Knock’ received mixed reviews, with a 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it provides an intriguing first look at de Armas’ English-language performance.

Born in Havana, de Armas is a Cuban-Spanish actress who gained recognition in Spain before breaking into Hollywood. ‘Knock Knock’ was significant for her, marking her first English-speaking role after a successful career in Spanish cinema. The actress learned her lines phonetically, showcasing her determination to transition to American films.

Despite its poor ratings and negative reviews, with some critics calling it a “dull homage to an exploitation flick,” others argue that ‘Knock Knock’ merits recognition for its exploration of uncomfortable themes. Reeves collaborated with Roth, who sought to pay tribute to the original 1977 film ‘Death Game,’ in which the story revolves around a husband’s coercion by two women.

While the John Wick franchise has grossed over $1 billion, ‘Knock Knock’ stands out within Reeves’ filmography and provides a unique commentary on trust, safety, and betrayal in modern society. Although it diverges significantly from the action-heavy tone of ‘John Wick,’ the film’s psychological edge presents a stark contrast, addressing heavy topics of infidelity and assault.

In 2016, de Armas and Reeves reunited in the thriller ‘Exposed,’ reaffirming their cinematic chemistry. As fans await ‘Ballerina,’ revisiting ‘Knock Knock’ offers insight into the evolution of their careers and the complexity of their performances, making it a worthy film to appreciate, despite its flaws.

Ultimately, ‘Knock Knock’ serves as a curious prelude to the upcoming ‘Ballerina,’ drawing attention to how far both de Armas and Reeves have come in the film industry.