
Pretty Lethal is a 2026 action thriller directed by Vicky Jewson and written by Kate Freund. The film stars Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, Maddie Ziegler, and Uma Thurman. Originally developed under the title Ballerina Overdrive, the movie combines ballet, survival thriller, and action elements as a group of young dancers find themselves fighting for their lives in a remote location.
A ballet troupe from Los Angeles travels to Europe for a prestigious international dance competition. Tensions within the group are already high when a series of travel mishaps forces them onto a rundown bus instead of a flight to their destination.
Their journey takes a dangerous turn when the bus breaks down in a remote forest. Looking for help, the dancers seek shelter at an isolated roadside inn run by Devora Kasimer, a mysterious former ballet prodigy. What initially appears to be a safe refuge quickly becomes a nightmare as armed criminals arrive and the girls discover they have walked into a deadly trap.
Outnumbered and with nowhere to run, the ballerinas must use the discipline, strength, and precision developed through years of training to survive a brutal fight against their attackers.
Pretty Lethal is produced by Kelly McCormick, Mike Karz, William Bindley, and Piers Tempest under the banners of 87North Productions and Gulfstream Pictures. The project was initially announced as Ballerina Overdrive before being retitled during post-production.
Director Vicky Jewson described the film as a mix of action, suspense, and dark humor, using ballet as more than just a backdrop. The dancers’ training becomes a key part of the action sequences, turning movements normally associated with performance into tools for survival.
The film attracted attention for bringing together a young ensemble cast led by Lana Condor, Maddie Ziegler, Iris Apatow, Avantika, and Millicent Simmonds, while also featuring Uma Thurman in a villainous role.
Pretty Lethal premiered at SXSW on March 13, 2026, followed by its global streaming release on Prime Video on March 25, 2026 through Amazon MGM Studios.