Ana de Armas first English-speaking role in Knock Knock brought her together with Keanu Reeves for a provocative thriller that continues to generate strong reactions nearly a decade after its release. Released in 2015 and set in Hollywood, the film not only marked a significant point for de Armas’ career but also revealed early chemistry between the stars that would later appear in Ballerina, a John Wick franchise spinoff.
The Surprising Team-Up in a Controversial 2015 Thriller
Back in 2015, audiences saw Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas star together in Knock Knock, a film that stood out against the dominant trends of the time. Although erotic thrillers such as Fatal Attraction and Basic Instinct had peaked decades earlier, filmmaker Eli Roth revived the genre by remaking the 1977 exploitation film Death Game, originally directed by Peter S. Traynor. The story focuses on Evan Webber, an architect portrayed by Reeves, whose quiet evening is disrupted when two women seek refuge during a storm, only for events to escalate into manipulation and violence.
This reimagining borrowed the core premise from Death Game but added new elements to reflect modern concerns, including social media influences and a modified conclusion. A notable aspect of Roth’s approach was the involvement of the original film’s creators and stars, including Traynor, Sondra Locke, and Colleen Camp, who all contributed to producing Knock Knock. Unfortunately, like its predecessor, the film faced considerable criticism, reflected in its 37% score on Rotten Tomatoes and 19% on the Popcornmeter, despite earning $6.3 million from a modest $2 million budget.
Ana de Armas’ Hollywood Debut and Its Impact
For Ana de Armas, Knock Knock represented a key transition from her work in Spanish-language projects to Hollywood’s global stage. Born in Havana, de Armas was already known to Spanish-speaking audiences for her role as Carolina in the television series El Internado, which ran for six seasons. Her portrayal of Bel in Knock Knock marked her first speaking role in English, an achievement made even more remarkable by the fact that she delivered all of her lines phonetically.
This performance played an important role in launching her Hollywood career. Her ability to convey emotion and intensity alongside Reeves stood out, paving the way for additional collaborations such as Exposed in 2016, where the pair reunited for another thriller. Following these two early projects, de Armas’ profile quickly increased with celebrated roles, including Joi in Blade Runner 2049 and Marta Cabrera in Knives Out, establishing her reputation as an international star. The connection with Reeves ultimately extended to the John Wick universe, where her character Eve appears in Ballerina, a recent addition to the franchise that has earned fresh critical interest.
Mixed Reactions and Enduring Discussion Around Knock Knock
Knock Knock’s reception, both with critics and audiences, has always been polarized. Reactions to its mix of psychological drama, exploitation elements, and intense subject matter created a debate over its place within the thriller genre. While the involvement of Reeves provided wide visibility, many reviewers pointed to the film’s disturbing content and divisive choices, which contributed to its below-average critical scores.
The collaboration between Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves in Knock Knock may have seemed unusual at first, yet it showcased the ability of both actors to take risks in challenging material. For de Armas, this film was not just her English-language debut but a stepping stone that led to even higher-profile roles and eventual re-teaming with Reeves in more traditional action movies. The partnership laid early groundwork for their dynamic in the John Wick spinoff Ballerina, where their chemistry again drew audience attention.
The Legacy of Knock Knock for Audiences and Filmmakers
Despite its modest box office performance and low ratings, Knock Knock remains important as a turning point in Ana de Armas’ career and as an early connection to the John Wick franchise. The film‘s legacy continues to influence discussions about controversial thrillers, the evolution of genre filmmaking, and the trajectories of both de Armas and Reeves within Hollywood. With Ana de Armas’ first English-speaking role in Knock Knock, audiences witnessed the start of an international career that continues to grow, while the film’s intense subject matter ensures that it remains a topic of division among viewers and critics.
