The trouble begins when some inexperienced criminals decide to steal the car belonging to the recently bereaved “John Wick” (Keanu Reeves), unaware of how much fight he’ll put up against their nighttime intrusion, which includes a beating and the killing of his dog. The danger that Viggo (Michael Nyqvist), the story's antagonist, recognizes is that his impulsive son (Alfie Allen) has provoked an extremely dangerous situation. In an attempt to protect his son from what seems like inevitable doom, he seeks assistance from assassin “Marcus” (Willem Dafoe). However, Wick possesses a considerable arsenal and some valuable gold coins hinting at membership in an international organization with its own strict code of conduct. Anyone who defies them or their enforcer "Winston" (Ian McShane) is in serious trouble. The film delivers relentless action from the very beginning. Reeves’ performance occasionally echoes his “Neo” characterization from “The Matrix” (1999), though the stunt work feels less formulaic, and the pursuit creates a more organic sense of tension than many video-game style narratives where events unfold in repetitive cycles. Reeves isn't given much substantial dialogue; his primary responsibility is to be equally effective whether wielding a scalpel or weaponry while destroying property. The conclusion does feel somewhat hasty, with several important secondary storylines abruptly resolved in an uninspired fashion. Nevertheless, it remains a well-constructed and enjoyable revenge thriller that strikes the right balance between chaos and violence.

Source on TMDB