Nearly a decade after its initial release, the 2015 thriller Knock Knock starring Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves has experienced a notable resurgence. This renewed interest coincides with the recent attention around their latest project, Ballerina, which arrived in cinemas last month. The film’s growing popularity online is drawing viewers back to this earlier collaboration.
Directed by Eli Roth, Knock Knock went largely unnoticed by critics when it first came out but has begun to attract a new audience thanks to its intense psychological tension and the appeal of its lead actors. The movie’s presence increased significantly after it became available on Netflix in 2020, where it climbed to the number-one spot in the United States, fueling its current revival.
The Storyline and Psychological Intrigue Behind Knock Knock
Knock Knock centers on Evan Webber, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, a devoted husband and father who finds himself isolated during a rare weekend alone. His solitary break is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of two young women, played by Ana de Armas and Lorenza Izzo, who seek shelter from a violent storm. What appears to be a routine act of kindness quickly devolves into a sinister and manipulative nightmarish ordeal for Evan.
This film serves as a modern adaptation of the 1977 movie Death Game. Director Eli Roth expressed his desire to reinvent the concept with a contemporary twist, drawing inspiration from classic suspense films. Roth noted in a 2015 interview,
I really wanted to do a film like a modern Fatal Attraction that felt like something that was a tense psychosexual thriller, like the old films that [Roman] Polanski used to make or Paul Verhoeven. But we just felt like the story and the setup were so good that we could do an amazing update of it.
Ana de Armas’ Early Role and Keanu Reeves’ Reflections on Filming
At the time of filming Knock Knock, Ana de Armas was relatively new to English-language roles and reportedly learned her lines phonetically for the part, yet her portrayal caught the attention of audiences. Keanu Reeves later commented about the challenging nature of some scenes, especially the notorious seduction sequence, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He described those moments as unusual but praised the director for making the process smooth and manageable.
From Knock Knock to Ballerina: The Continued Collaboration
Since Knock Knock, Ana de Armas has advanced to starring roles in significant films such as Blade Runner 2049, Knives Out, No Time to Die, and received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Blonde. Keanu Reeves has remained a key figure in action cinema, notably continuing to embody John Wick. In Ballerina, a spin-off of the John Wick franchise, Ana de Armas plays Eve Macarro, a deadly assassin crossing paths with Reeves’ character.
Reeves offered high praise for de Armas’ talent, stating,
She’s a wonderful actress… quite a presence.
Ana de Armas reciprocated by describing Reeves as generous and supportive during filming.
Significance of Knock Knock’s Resurgence and Future Prospects
The renewed interest in Knock Knock highlights the enduring appeal of complex, suspenseful storytelling and the magnetic performances of Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves. This revival indicates a broader acceptance and reassessment of the film beyond its initial reception. As both actors continue to collaborate, especially within the high-profile John Wick universe, audiences can expect their on-screen chemistry to draw further attention to their past and upcoming projects.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Scarlett Johansson replaced by Ana de Armas?
A. Ana de Armas is stepping into a role left open in Dexter Fletcher’s new action-packed romantic comedy. She joins the Ghosted cast after Scarlett Johansson exited due to a scheduling issue.
Q. Does Ana de Armas have heterochromia?
A. She has central heterochromia, which means her eyes are mostly green but with a brown center. Her irises also have small, dark brown spots. She tried out for the part of Selina Kyle/Catwoman in the movie “The Batman” (2022).
Q. Why did Ben Affleck leave Ana de Armas?
A. According to a source from People, the couple talked many times about what lies ahead and chose to part ways. Someone from Page Six mentioned that Ben didn’t want more children, and since she’s in her 30s, this was a crucial issue for her.
Q. Why does Ana de Armas have an accent?
A. De Armas, originally from Cuba, acted in Spain prior to her move to Hollywood. Last year, she told the Times about her challenge with mastering Monroe’s accent. She revealed it required nine months of language coaching. She described the process as extremely tiring, stating, “It was a big torture, so exhausting. My brain was fried.”
