On April 25, 2025, the highly anticipated action thriller Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans and starring Tom Hardy, was released on Netflix. This film, which has been lauded as the largest feature ever filmed entirely in Wales, showcases the country’s stunning landscapes while diving into the gritty world of crime and corruption.
Set in an unnamed city, Havoc follows detective Walker (played by Hardy), who becomes embroiled in a dangerous criminal underworld after a drug deal goes awry. As he navigates through a network of drug dealers, corrupt police officers, and shady politicians, Walker must race against time to rescue a politician's son from a criminal gang led by the ruthless Big Sister, played by Yeo Yann Yann.
Filming took place across South Wales, including locations such as Cardiff, Bridgend, Swansea, and Port Talbot. The production was supported by Creative Wales and is part of a broader trend of film-making in the region, which has seen over £200 million injected into the UK economy since 2020 through various Wales-based productions. This boom has also supported more than 500 Welsh businesses, marking a significant impact on the local economy.
Netflix UK’s Vice President of Production, Anna Mallet, praised Wales as "an amazing place to make entertainment," highlighting its beautiful scenery as a backdrop for films. In line with this effort, Havoc is available with Welsh subtitles, following similar initiatives with other films like The Adam Project and Dal Y Mellt.
Tom Hardy, known for his intense and immersive performances, faced unique challenges while filming Havoc. He recounted a particularly grueling scene, the 'Medusa' fight, where he almost overheated due to the summer heat and heavy clothing. "The Medusa fight scene was hot," he explained. "I was wearing a thermal and a shirt, a wool shirt and a T-shirt. And it was summer. After the first 10 minutes of throwing my arms around, I was like, 'I'm not gonna make this.'" To cope, Hardy humorously described how he ended up cutting the sleeves off his shirt to stay cool during the intense action sequence.
Director Gareth Evans, known for his previous work on The Raid, aimed to blend realistic action with compelling storytelling in Havoc. He noted that he wanted to capture a significant portion of the action in-camera, aiming for 30% to 40% real footage, with visual effects enhancing the rest. Evans also emphasized the importance of character in designing fight sequences, ensuring that the choreography matched the personalities and backgrounds of the characters.
As the film unfolds, viewers will witness a series of elaborate fight scenes that are a hallmark of Evans' directorial style. Jude Poyer, the stunt coordinator for Havoc, explained the meticulous process behind choreographing these sequences. He stated, "When we work together, the first thing we talk about is character and story, and then we look at sequences. So with characters, how does this person move? What is their objective in this scene?" This attention to detail in character-driven choreography is evident throughout the film.
Despite the film’s focus on action, it also features a strong cast, including Luis Guzmán, Jessie Mei Li, and Timothy Olyphant. Olyphant plays Vincent, a crooked cop, while Forest Whitaker portrays Lawrence Beaumont, a real estate mogul with political ambitions. The ensemble cast adds depth to the narrative, although some reviews suggest that the film may not fully exploit their talents. Critics noted that while the film is entertaining, it sometimes feels like a vehicle for action rather than a deep character study.
In a review, it was remarked that Havoc is a "relatively standard action crime thriller" that, despite its strong cast, does not fully unleash their potential. However, for fans of the action genre, the film still offers thrilling moments and impressive stunts. The action sequences, particularly the nightclub scene, have been highlighted as standout moments, showcasing the film’s choreography and intensity.
Overall, Havoc represents a significant milestone for Welsh cinema, not only for its production scale but also for its contribution to the local economy and creative industries. As the film gains traction on Netflix, it is poised to attract a global audience, bringing attention to Wales as a burgeoning hub for filmmaking.
As the first major action thriller of 2025, Havoc is set to leave a lasting impression, not only through its action-packed sequences but also by showcasing the talent behind the camera and in front of it. With its release, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in a world where crime, corruption, and intense action collide in a uniquely Welsh context.
