Netflix's latest entry into the action genre, Havoc, showcases the rugged beauty of Wales while delivering an intense, gritty thriller starring Tom Hardy. Released on April 25, 2025, the film continues Netflix's growing investment in hard-hitting action dramas led by major stars. Set in a grim, unnamed American city, Havoc follows a bruised detective, played by Hardy, who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son, all while unraveling the deep layers of corruption.
Directed by Gareth Evans, known for The Raid: Redemption, the movie blends raw action with a dark, emotionally charged narrative. Evans explained that while the film is set in the US, it was filmed almost entirely in Wales, including Cardiff and Barry. He stated, "The idea of being able to finish a shoot day and go home and read a bedtime story to my son was very appealing," highlighting his personal connection to the filming locations.
In Havoc, Hardy stars as Walker, a troubled detective who uncovers a conspiracy while tasked with protecting the son of a crooked politician, Lawrence Beaumont, played by Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker. Beaumont is desperate to reconcile with his estranged son, Charlie, who has been framed for the murder of Tsui, a gang member whose death sparks a revenge campaign led by his mother, referred to as "big sister" (Yeo Yann Yann).
Evans’ decision to set the film in an unnamed US city was influenced by '70s American crime cinema, citing films like The French Connection, Serpico, and Thief as inspirations. He noted that the aesthetic of these films resonated with his vision for Havoc. "When I want cops running around shooting guns and everything else within that film felt more attuned to America than the UK," he explained.
Filming locations included Swansea's University Bay campus, which provided the backdrop for exterior street shots, while Brangwyn Hall became an American police precinct. A scene featuring a fishing shack was built in the countryside of Merthyr Mawr. This ambitious project is reportedly the largest feature film ever to be shot entirely in Wales, reflecting Netflix's increasing investment in Welsh-made productions.
As the film unfolds, Walker must navigate the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld to save Charlie. The narrative is steeped in themes of parental anxiety and regret, a motif that Evans has explored in his previous works. He stated, "It was always about mining the fear of what it means to raise [children] properly, and what it means to question every little decision." This universal concern about parenting is mirrored in the struggles of both Walker and Beaumont.
Tom Hardy's portrayal of Walker is that of a hard-bitten detective wracked by guilt over his past. His character's moral ambiguity adds depth to the film, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions. The film's dialogue and character interactions, particularly between Beaumont and "big sister," serve as poignant moments amid the chaos. As they open up about their children and regrets, the film takes a brief pause from its intense action to explore these emotional undercurrents.
In a conversation with TIME, Evans emphasized the importance of character development in action cinema. He remarked, "It was always important to find little touchstones, where you can say, ‘There's humanity there, there's still something to hold onto.’ Otherwise it's just pain.” This focus on humanity amid the violence is a hallmark of Evans' filmmaking style, evident in both The Raid and Havoc.
The action sequences in Havoc are nothing short of spectacular, with choreographed fight scenes that showcase Evans' signature style. The Medusa sequence, filmed in Cardiff during the summer of 2021, is particularly notable for its pacing and complexity. Evans described it as "the biggest thing I've undertaken, in terms of sustaining that pace, sustaining the movement of the action sequence across the different levels inside the tunnel, back outside, out into the streets.”
The film's soundtrack also plays a crucial role in setting the tone. Evans incorporated a mix of genres, from Cantonese hip hop to classic holiday tunes, to juxtapose the violence on screen with unexpected musical choices. This eclectic soundtrack adds another layer to the film's narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of the action.
Critics have weighed in on Havoc, with Peter Debruge from Variety noting Hardy's commitment to the role, describing him as "looking worse for wear than Bruce Willis' tank top at the end of Die Hard.” Meanwhile, David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter praised the film for its operatic violence and intense action sequences, appealing to fans of the genre.
As Netflix continues to bet big on star-driven, action-heavy projects, Havoc stands as a prime example of the gritty, high-impact storytelling the platform aims to deliver. The film's combination of intense action, emotional depth, and character-driven narratives showcases Evans' talents as a filmmaker and reinforces Hardy's status as a leading action star.
With Havoc now available for streaming, audiences can experience this thrilling ride that not only delivers adrenaline-pumping action but also resonates on a personal level. As viewers dive into the chaotic world of crime and corruption, they will find that beneath the surface of violence lies a poignant exploration of the complexities of parenthood and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.
