The official trailer for Pretty Lethal has arrived, promising a slick, high-adrenaline collision of ballet, survival and stylised action. Directed by Vicky Jewson, the genre-bending thriller stars Maddie Ziegler, Lana Condor, Iris Apatow, Avantika Vandanapu, Millicent Simmonds and Uma Thurman in pivotal roles.
Following its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, the film will stream globally on Prime Video from March 25, 2026.
When Grace Turns Deadly
At the heart of Pretty Lethal are five elite ballerinas travelling to a prestigious dance competition. Tension simmers within the troupe — rivalries, egos and fractured friendships leave them barely on speaking terms.
When their bus breaks down in a remote forest, the dancers are forced to seek refuge at a secluded roadside inn. The property is run by Devora Kasimer, portrayed by Uma Thurman, a reclusive former ballet prodigy whose haunted past appears embedded within the building’s walls.
From the moment they step inside, the atmosphere feels unsettling. Suspicion quickly gives way to danger as their overnight stay spirals into a fight for survival. What follows is a transformation rarely seen in action cinema — pointe shoes become weapons, choreography becomes combat, and discipline forged through years of rigorous ballet training turns into a life-saving arsenal.
“Dance Like Your Life Depends On It”
Director Vicky Jewson described the film as an exploration of how a ballerina’s physical and psychological precision can be reframed within the action genre.
She explained that the film builds a world shaped by the broken dreams of a once-celebrated dancer, played by Uma Thurman. Within that space, horror, dark comedy and kinetic action collide. The troupe ultimately embraces teamwork, sisterhood and what the director playfully calls “ballet-fu” to survive.
The tonal balance appears deliberate — shifting between tension and stylised spectacle — creating what Jewson calls a breathless rollercoaster ride.
Cast And Creative Team
Alongside its leading ensemble, Pretty Lethal features Michael Culkin and Lydia Leonard in supporting roles.
The screenplay is written by Kate Freund, with production led by Kelly McCormick, Mike Karz p.g.a., William Bindley p.g.a., and Piers Tempest.
The technical crew includes:
- Music: Paul Leonard-Morgan
- Director of Photography: Bridger Nielson
- Editor: Richard Smither
- Production Designer: Zsuzsi Kismarty-Lechner
- Lead Choreographer: Will Tuckett
- Stunt Designer & Coordinator: Shahaub Roudbari
- Supervising Stunt Coordinator: Adam Horton
- Casting: Jenny Jue, CSA
- Costume Designers: Diana Marton and Ildikó Andó
- Hair & Make-Up Designer: Anna Gerõ
The film runs for 88 minutes and carries an R rating, signalling intense action sequences and mature thematic elements.
Streaming Date
After premiering at SXSW, Pretty Lethal will be available worldwide on Prime Video starting March 25, 2026.
Jay-Ho Exclusive
With its fusion of elegance and edge, Pretty Lethal reframes ballet as more than performance art — it becomes a survival mechanism. Anchored by Uma Thurman’s enigmatic presence and powered by a dynamic young ensemble, the film positions itself as a bold, genre-crossing spectacle.
If the trailer is any indication, audiences can expect a sharp, stylised thriller where precision is power — and every pirouette could mean life or death.
