Ares from the John Wick Franchise
Introduction
Ares, portrayed by Ruby Rose, is a pivotal and intriguing character in the John Wick franchise, specifically in the second installment, John Wick: Chapter 2. Created by the franchise’s writer Derek Kolstad, Ares is Santino D’Antonio’s mute and highly skilled bodyguard, who plays a crucial role in the narrative of the film. Despite her limited screen time, Ares leaves a lasting impression due to her unique traits and the depth of her character.
Ares is not directly connected to any prior literature or media, but her character adds a fresh layer to the complex world of assassins and underworld politics in the John Wick universe. Her mutism and use of sign language to communicate make her a standout character, adding a layer of intrigue and mystery to her persona.
Role in the Story
In John Wick: Chapter 2, Ares is introduced as the personal bodyguard of Santino D’Antonio, a Camorra crime boss who seeks to claim a seat at the High Table by having his sister Gianna assassinated. Ares is sent to observe John Wick’s mission to kill Gianna, which sets the stage for their eventual confrontation.
Ares’s storyline is deeply intertwined with John Wick’s as she attempts to fulfill her duties to Santino. After Gianna’s death, Ares is tasked with eliminating John Wick to tie up loose ends. This leads to a memorable and intense fight scene in the hall of mirrors, where Ares nearly succeeds in killing John Wick, showcasing her exceptional combat skills and strategic thinking[1][3].
Throughout the film, Ares’s actions are driven by her loyalty to Santino and her commitment to her job. Her interactions with John Wick are marked by a silent yet intense communication, highlighting her ability to convey intent and emotion through sign language. Ultimately, Ares meets her demise at the hands of John Wick during a fierce battle at an art museum, where she buys time for Santino to escape[2].
Character Analysis
Ares is a cold, calculated, and skilled assassin who rarely allows sympathy to sway her work. Her personality is defined by her professionalism and unwavering dedication to her tasks. Despite being mute, Ares communicates effectively through sign language, which adds a unique dimension to her character and makes her especially deadly in stealthy situations[3].
Her motivations are rooted in her loyalty to Santino and the underworld code she adheres to. Ares’s strengths lie in her combat prowess, strategic thinking, and ability to remain composed under pressure. Her flaws, however, are largely tied to her unwavering commitment to her duties, which ultimately leads to her downfall.
Ares’s character development, though limited by her screen time, is significant. Her final moments, particularly her sign language exchange with John Wick where she says "Be seeing you," suggest there is more to her character than what meets the eye. This intrigue has sparked interest in exploring her backstory further, as expressed by Ruby Rose herself[1][5].
Themes and Symbolism
Ares embodies several themes within the John Wick franchise. She represents the silent yet deadly efficiency of the underworld’s operatives, highlighting the world’s reliance on skilled and ruthless assassins. Her mutism also symbolizes the silence and secrecy that are integral to the underworld’s functioning.
The character of Ares contributes to the overarching theme of loyalty and duty, as her actions are driven by her commitment to Santino and the High Table’s rules. Her confrontation with John Wick also underscores the theme of survival and the relentless pursuit of one’s objectives, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Cultural Impact
Ares has had a notable cultural impact despite her limited screen time. Her unique character and the memorable fight scenes she is involved in have made her a fan favorite. Ruby Rose’s portrayal of Ares has been praised for adding diversity and depth to the franchise, and her interest in exploring Ares’s backstory further has generated significant fan interest[1][5].
The character’s influence can also be seen in the broader context of action films, where silent or mute characters are becoming more prominent. Ares’s use of sign language as a form of communication has also been appreciated for its representation and inclusion.
Critical Reception
Critics and audiences have generally praised Ares as a compelling and formidable antagonist. Her fight scenes with John Wick are often highlighted as some of the best in the film, showcasing her skills and tenacity. Ruby Rose’s performance has been commended for bringing depth and nuance to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional[3].
There have been no major controversies surrounding Ares, but there has been a varied interpretation of her role. Some see her as a symbol of the underworld’s ruthlessness, while others appreciate her as a complex character with untapped potential.
Legacy
Ares’s legacy in the John Wick franchise is significant, despite her character’s short lifespan. Her impact on the narrative and her memorable interactions with John Wick have made her a lasting part of the franchise’s lore. The interest in exploring her backstory further, as expressed by Ruby Rose, indicates that Ares could have a continued presence in future projects within the John Wick universe[1][5].
Ares’s character has also inspired discussions about representation and inclusion in action films, particularly regarding characters with disabilities. Her portrayal has set a precedent for more diverse and complex characters in future action movies.
