Uma Thurman ‘Can Play a Villain Like Nobody Else Can,’ “Pretty Lethal” Director Vicky Jewson Says (Exclusive)

**Uma Thurman Takes on a Dark Role in ‘Pretty Lethal’ at SXSW Film Festival**

At the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, director Vicky Jewson recently lauded Uma Thurman for her remarkable portrayal of a villain in the much-anticipated thriller, *Pretty Lethal*. The film, which premiered on March 13, 2026, showcases Thurman as Devora Kasimer, a reclusive former ballet prodigy who now operates a foreboding roadside inn.

Jewson, in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, defined Thurman as an icon, praising her exceptional ability to embody complex and sinister characters. “Uma is obviously an icon, and she can play a villain like nobody else can,” Jewson remarked, recognising her previous roles as an antagonist, including Poison Ivy in 1997’s *Batman & Robin* and Discord in *The Old Guard 2* (2025).

In *Pretty Lethal*, the premise spins around a group of five ballerinas who, en route to a dance competition, find themselves stranded in a forest when their bus breaks down. Seeking refuge at the ominous inn managed by Thurman’s character, the dancers quickly sense that not all is as it seems. Jewson highlighted the depth Thurman brings to her character, stating, “She has a wicked sense of humour, and she also brings empathy to the character that allows you to stay with the character when the most absurd stuff happens.”

As events unfold in the inn, the tension rises, illustrating the horrors that await the ballerinas. According to the film’s synopsis, the protagonists must struggle against deadly situations while grappling with their rivalries, ultimately relying on their years of rigorous ballet training. The naive grace of ballet transforms under duress, as disciplined dancers turn their skills into instruments of survival.

The cast of *Pretty Lethal* extends beyond Thurman, featuring a talented ensemble including Iris Apatow, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Avantika, and Maddie Ziegler. The film combines action and psychological suspense, aiming to captivate audiences with its thrilling blend of horror and artistry.

Jewson also reflected on the significant influence of *The Nutcracker* on her storytelling. “It is the performance where Devorah lost her dream, and that informs her character throughout the whole film,” she explained. The consistent homage to this beloved ballet is woven throughout the film, serving as a poignant reminder of what once was for Devora, ensuring she is tethered to her past love of dance.

Thurman’s transformation into Devora Kasimer is depicted as both chilling and compelling, representing a complex character whose journey through the film is marked by loss and desperation. Jewson remarked that only a talent of Thurman’s calibre could anchor such an emotionally charged role, blending vulnerability with malice seamlessly.

*Pretty Lethal* is set to stream on Prime Video starting March 25, 2026, promising to attract audiences looking for a gripping tale that challenges perceptions of strength, artistry, and evil. As Thurman once again embraces an iconic villain role, expectations run high for her performance, and the film aims to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Audiences can look forward to the unique perspective of ballet combined with an unsettling narrative, as *Pretty Lethal* redefines character dynamics and highlights the resilience of its young protagonists against the eerie backdrop crafted by Jewson and Thurman.