Tom Hardy stars in “Havoc,” a highly anticipated, hyper-violent thriller from Netflix. The film bears the unmistakable mark of Gareth Evans, a filmmaker known for his visceral style and violent storytelling. “Havoc” certainly delivers on this front, offering an almost over-the-top choreography of violence in a story that moves relentlessly from one violent sequence to an even more violent one.
“Havoc” is all about atmosphere, pacing, noir aesthetics, and street violence. Its setting and style evoke memories of Sin City (2005), featuring characters seemingly driven by the film’s own aesthetic. Written and directed by Gareth Evans, the movie fully embraces his signature style: violence, atmosphere, and characters who exist primarily to fulfill their roles within the narrative.
That said, if you enjoy violent thrillers, it’s quite a spectacle.
Navigating a City’s Underbelly
The fuse for Havoc is lit by a drug deal gone disastrously wrong. This initial incident throws the film’s protagonist, Walker, played by Tom Hardy, into a desperate fight for survival and truth. Walker is consistently described as a “bruised detective,” suggesting a man operating on the edge, possibly outside official lines or deeply embedded within the city’s corrupt systems. He is forced to navigate a treacherous criminal underworld that threatens to engulf the entire metropolis.
Walker’s central mission revolves around rescuing Charlie (Justin Cornwell), the estranged son of a powerful and corrupt politician named Lawrence (Forest Whitaker). This task is far from simple, pushing Walker into a direct confrontation with his own past demons while simultaneously forcing him to unravel a pervasive “deep web of corruption and conspiracy” that has its tentacles wrapped around the city’s core. The film’s tagline, “No law. Only chaos,” starkly underscores the breakdown of order and the rampant criminality Walker must confront.
Walker finds himself hunted by numerous factions simultaneously: a vengeful crime syndicate, identified in some reviews as potentially Chinese Triads seeking retribution for murdered family members; a unit of corrupt cops led by Vincent (Timothy Olyphant), who apparently shares a dark past with Walker; and potentially even distrustful elements within his own police department. Meanwhile, the politician’s son, Charlie, and his girlfriend, Mia (Quelin Sepulveda), are also desperately fleeing these same violent groups, having been falsely implicated in the initial incident.
This chaotic chase unfolds against the backdrop of a grim holiday season in an unnamed, ambiguous American metropolis – a gritty, crime-infested urban landscape brought to life primarily through extensive filming in Cardiff, Wales.
The Cast
Tom Hardy plays Detective Walker Mackey. Walker embodies the archetype of the cynical, burnt-out cop, burdened by past transgressions but potentially seeking a path to redemption. Hardy, who also serves as a producer on the film, brings his characteristic intensity and “venomous presence” to the role, complete with a distinctive accent.
Forest Whitaker portrays Lawrence, the corrupt politician whose son is in danger. Timothy Olyphant embodies Vincent, the leader of a special force of corrupt cops with a shared past and leverage over Walker. Jessie Mei Li takes on the role of Ellie, Walker’s temporary police partner. Justin Cornwell is Charlie, the politician’s estranged son caught in the crossfire, alongside Quelin Sepulveda as his girlfriend Mia, also on the run. Luis Guzmán appears as Raul, a figure within the city’s underworld, and Yeo Yann Yann plays a potential antagonist, possibly the head of the vengeful crime syndicate. The cast also includes familiar faces like Sunny Pang (a frequent Evans collaborator), Michelle Waterson, Xelia Mendes-Jones, and Richard Harrington.
The Gareth Evans Touch
The Welsh filmmaker forged a formidable reputation as a modern master of action cinema with his electrifying Indonesian martial arts epics The Raid and The Raid 2, as well as the brutal television series Gangs of London. Havoc marks his return to feature filmmaking after a seven-year gap since his 2018 folk-horror entry, Apostle, bringing his distinct vision to the Netflix platform under an exclusive deal.
Evans’ signature style is reportedly on full display in Havoc. His direction of the action sequences is praised as “expertly choreographed,” guiding the viewer’s eye through meticulously staged chaos.
The sheer volume of gunfire is a notable element, described as an “impossible torrent of bullets.” Someone remarked that the film contains “more bullets fired than in a game of Call of Duty.” The combat emphasizes quick reflexes and savage efficiency over elaborate hand-to-hand exchanges, aligning with Evans’ statement that it “was never going to be a martial arts film” but something rawer.
An initial kinetic car chase, despite suggestions of heavy digital enhancement, sets a frenetic tone. Perhaps the most talked-about sequence is a spectacular, extended fight inside a nightclub, where Evans unleashes his camera with dizzying sweeps and dynamic movements to capture the multifaceted brutality. This sequence, along with others, showcases the technical prowess Evans brings to staging action that feels both chaotic and precisely controlled.
This visceral assault is complemented by the film’s aesthetic, captured by Evans’ regular cinematographer, Matt Flannery. The visuals are gritty and textured, employing vibrant colors against the predominantly dark, sordid urban environment. The auditory experience is equally intense, with intricate sound design lending distinct signatures to the varied weaponry, backed by a propulsive score credited primarily to composer Tyler Bates. While Evans is known for pushing the boundaries of action cinema, Havoc‘s place within his filmography sparks discussion. It represents an adaptation of his style to a Western crime thriller framework, integrating Hollywood stars and a different emphasis on combat.
Behind the Scenes – The Long Road to Release
The genesis of Havoc lies in Gareth Evans’ exclusive multi-film deal signed with Netflix in February 2021, with this project announced as the first venture under that partnership. Tom Hardy was attached to star and produce from the outset, signaling a major commitment from both the platform and the actor. Key cast members like Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, and Jessie Mei Li joined in the following months.
Significantly, the production chose Cardiff, Wales, as its primary filming location. Hailed by the Welsh Government as “one of the biggest films ever produced in Wales,” the project aimed to leave a “lasting legacy for filmmakers” in the region. The presence of a star like Hardy generated local buzz, with sightings reported at locations like Barry Island Pleasure Park and outside Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall during the summer of 2021.
Despite this initial momentum, the path to release proved unusually long, illustrating some complexities inherent in large-scale streaming productions. The film’s timeline extended considerably beyond initial expectations. Principal photography began on July 8, 2021, and concluded on October 22, 2021. However, reshoots were required and took place over two weeks in July 2024, pushing the final Netflix release date to April 2025.
The significant gap between the initial wrap in late 2021 and the reshoots in mid-2024 stemmed from various factors. Director Gareth Evans confirmed the reshoots were necessary but faced delays due to scheduling conflicts and the SAG-AFTRA strike that impacted numerous productions across the industry. Tom Hardy’s commitments to other major projects, including the Venom franchise sequels and The Bikeriders, also contributed to the scheduling challenges that extended the post-production timeline. This journey highlights how ambitious streaming projects, reliant on top-tier talent and susceptible to external disruptions, can sometimes operate on more flexible, albeit lengthy, schedules compared to the traditional theatrical release model, allowing for extended post-production and refinement phases.
Our Take
“Havoc” is a Gareth Evans spectacle through and through. It might not be his best film, but it bears his signature: magnificently executed visual choreography where violence and atmosphere take precedence. The story takes a backseat; it’s one of those plots we’ve seen a thousand times: a world-weary detective battling mobsters and drug traffickers.
The story is almost incidental because what matters here is the atmosphere, showcasing the city’s underbelly and delivering high-quality sequences that consistently exaggerate the violence.
At its core, this film is a highly aesthetic choreography of mood, excellent cinematography, and Tom Hardy at the center of a violent, intensely violent, bullet-riddled action movie.
It’s a show bearing the unmistakable signature of Gareth Evans.
Enjoy it.
Where to Watch “Havoc”
