Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves reunited in the 2015 erotic thriller Knock Knock, a film now available to stream for free on Pluto, offering viewers a chance to revisit their early collaboration. This Keanu Reeves thriller team-up marked a pivotal moment for de Armas as her first English-speaking role and helped both actors build momentum before achieving greater success in later projects.
The Early Keanu Reeves Thriller Team-Up That Few Remember
Ana de Armas quickly became a recognized figure in Hollywood through roles in sci-fi hits like Blade Runner 2049 and action-packed films such as No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final installment as James Bond. Despite receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for Blonde, her 2023 role in Ballerina: From the World of John Wick arguably represented her most intense on-screen adventure to date. Sharing the screen with Keanu Reeves’ John Wick brought her profile even higher, but this collaboration was far from their first.
Before Reeves returned to superstardom with the John Wick franchise in 2014, his career suffered several disappointments, including roles in The Day the Earth Stood Still, 47 Ronin, and Man of Tai Chi. It was during this transitional period that he starred in Knock Knock, directed by Eli Roth, who was known for his visceral horror films such as Hostel and The Green Inferno. Ana de Armas also featured prominently in this film, marking her English-language debut and opening the gates to Hollywood roles. The movie’s availability for free streaming on Pluto brings renewed attention to this overlooked thriller.
Plot and Controversies Surrounding ‘Knock Knock’
Knock Knock begins with Evan, a devoted father played by Reeves, who is left alone at home for the weekend while his family is away. Unexpected visitors Bel (Ana de Armas) and Genesis (Lorenza Izzo) arrive drenched from a storm and convince Evan to let them in. What starts as a kind gesture quickly devolves into a tense home invasion thriller with erotic undertones, as both women aggressively pursue Evan, leading him into a night of temptation and regret. The aftermath forces Evan to face not only the consequences of his extramarital behavior but also a far more dangerous situation.
The erotic thriller genre was highly popular during the 1980s and 1990s, with films such as Fatal Attraction earning both critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations. However, by the 2000s, the genre had largely fallen out of vogue, only to see a partial revival through nuanced films like Black Swan in 2010, which shifted away from gratuitous elements toward psychological complexity.
Eli Roth’s approach to Knock Knock leaned into camp and absence of subtlety, reminiscent of his earlier work that favored graphic gore over thematic depth. Audiences familiar with Roth’s previous films expected a traditional, intense thriller but were met with jarring dialogue and awkward scenes that quickly became fodder for internet memes. One particular line from Reeves’ character, where he compares sex to “free f*cking pizza,” has been widely circulated online for its unintentional humor.
Critics and viewers largely rejected the movie, reflected in its 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and an even lower 19% approval from audiences, highlighting the film’s failure to strike the right tone or deliver a compelling thriller experience despite its promising cast.
How ‘Knock Knock’ Influenced the Careers of Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves
While Knock Knock failed commercially and critically, it played a significant role in jumpstarting Ana de Armas’s Hollywood career, giving her exposure that led to more acclaimed projects such as Knives Out, which boasts a 97% positive review score. Similarly, Keanu Reeves experienced a professional resurgence following this film, with the John Wick series receiving widespread acclaim and establishing him as a major action star again. Reeves also earned praise for the lighthearted sequel Bill & Ted Face the Music, which holds an 83% positive rating from critics.
Despite the movie’s shortcomings, de Armas and Reeves exhibited undeniable on-screen chemistry, making Knock Knock a noteworthy piece for fans of both actors. Their later reunion in the 2016 film Exposed, however, did not improve upon this legacy, as it garnered a mere 8% positive rating, losing much of the goodwill both performers had built individually.
Reviving Interest in a Neglected Film
With Knock Knock now accessible for free streaming, viewers have an opportunity to revisit this contentious film and examine how two major stars evolved after an awkward early collaboration. The movie serves as a snapshot of a transitional moment in the careers of both Ana de Armas and Keanu Reeves, showing their potential before their later achievements. For enthusiasts of Keanu Reeves thriller team-ups, this film reveals an unexpected chapter full of tension, controversy, and growing pains within the modern thriller landscape.
