Tom Hardy is back in action mode with his latest role in Havoc, Netflix's newest action thriller directed by Gareth Evans, which premiered on Friday, April 25, 2025. The film, described as ultra-violent, features Hardy as Walker, a bruised detective navigating a chaotic criminal underworld threatening to engulf his city.
Set in a fictional American metropolis but filmed in Cardiff, Wales, Havoc tells the story of Walker, who is tasked with rescuing the estranged son of a corrupt politician after a drug deal goes awry. The film is packed with intense action sequences and a storyline that intertwines corruption, betrayal, and violence.
Critics have had mixed reactions to the film, with some praising its thrilling action and others criticizing its chaotic narrative. The Telegraph noted, "The only recent western releases that remotely compare with his latest picture are the John Wick series," suggesting that Havoc offers a unique take on the action genre. The review continued, "But as Howard Hawks once pointed out, all a good movie needs is three great scenes and no bad ones. And if greatness, for you, is found in violence so wild it makes your jaw loll open like a discarded Muppet’s – well, Havoc ably meets the standard."
Digital Spy echoed similar sentiments, stating, "It might only be April, but a five-minute club sequence that comes at Havoc's midway point will be hard to top this year." This sequence, described as a visual tour de force, showcases brutal choreography and a splash of blood, emphasizing the film's high-octane action.
However, not all reviews were positive. The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw criticized the film for its chaotic violence and lack of meaningful stakes, describing it as "too artificial" and lacking the stylish martial arts elements that characterized Evans's earlier works, such as The Raid. Similarly, Variety's Peter Debruge expressed disappointment, stating, "Evans wreaks the most havoc, ignoring (or simply not understanding) what connects us to such characters in the first place — and therefore ensuring that his unwieldy Netflix vehicle is dead on arrival."
Despite the divided opinions, Havoc has generated significant buzz, especially among action film enthusiasts. The film's narrative unfolds through a series of violent confrontations, with Walker navigating a treacherous landscape filled with corrupt officers and vengeful gang members. The film's plot thickens as Walker discovers the extent of corruption within the police force and the criminal underworld.
The film's climax features a showdown at Walker's fishing shack, where multiple characters face off in a chaotic gunfight. Walker's character arc is marked by his struggle for redemption as he grapples with his past mistakes. As the action escalates, viewers witness a series of betrayals and sacrifices, culminating in a tense finale that leaves Walker's fate uncertain.
In the film's final moments, Walker confronts Vincent, a fellow corrupt officer played by Timothy Olyphant. Their showdown is reminiscent of classic Westerns, with Walker asserting, "You don’t get to just walk away from this," before ultimately killing Vincent. This act symbolizes Walker's desire to break free from his past and seek a path toward redemption.
As the dust settles, Walker finds himself at a crossroads. Officer Ellie, played by Jessie Mei Li, informs Charlie and Mia that it would be safer for them to turn themselves in, but they choose to flee instead. Walker, recognizing his own transgressions, tells Ellie, "Now you should arrest me," acknowledging her as a good cop and expressing regret for his previous behavior.
As police sirens wail in the distance, Walker reflects on his actions, ultimately deciding against ruining his daughter's Christmas by involving her in his criminal life. This poignant moment adds depth to his character, showcasing the internal conflict he faces as he seeks redemption.
With its blend of high-octane action and complex character dynamics, Havoc invites viewers to ponder the moral ambiguities of its characters. As the film streams on Netflix, audiences are left to decide whether Walker is redeemable or if he remains a product of his violent environment.
In summary, Havoc serves as both a thrilling action spectacle and a character study of a man caught between his past and his desire for a better future. Whether loved or loathed, it undoubtedly leaves a mark on the genre and raises questions about the nature of redemption in a world rife with chaos.
