Directed by: Gareth Evans
Starring: Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant
Genre: Action / Crime / Thriller
CP Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5)
Havoc, one of the most anticipated crime thrillers of the year, finally dropped on Netflix with high hopes pinned to it—thanks to the stellar reputation of director Gareth Evans (The Raid) and the magnetic screen presence of Tom Hardy. But does it live up to the hype?
In short: not quite.
While the movie is okay to watch for fans of gritty underworld dramas, it doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking. The fight scenes are decent but surprisingly underwhelming given Hardy’s usual action prowess. Let’s dive into the details.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
The story revolves around a drug deal gone wrong and a bruised detective (Tom Hardy) who must wade through a city’s criminal underbelly to rescue a politician’s son. As he battles corrupt cops, gangsters, and his own demons, the film attempts to paint a dark picture of justice, betrayal, and redemption.
The plot sounds exciting on paper, but the execution is where Havoc falters.
Tom Hardy’s Performance
There’s no doubt that Tom Hardy is a powerhouse performer. In Havoc, he gives his all to a physically demanding role. However, the fight scenes, which were expected to be brutal and stylish (especially with Evans directing), feel flat and repetitive.
Hardy’s emotional range is present, but the dialogues and screenplay don’t allow him to fully shine. His character feels more like a blunt tool than a layered hero.
Action & Choreography
Gareth Evans is best known for elevating action to an art form, but Havoc seems like a step back. While the film has its fair share of one-shot sequences, hallway brawls, and intense chases, they lack the sharp editing and creative camera work that Evans is known for.
Simply put, the fight scenes are not that great. They feel dragged and lack the visceral impact that movies like The Raid delivered.
Storyline & Pacing
The story is okay—nothing you haven’t seen before. There’s corruption, revenge, and moral decay. But the narrative doesn’t dig deep enough into its characters or world-building. Some scenes feel disconnected and overstuffed with subplots that go nowhere.
The pacing suffers especially in the second half, making the film feel longer than its runtime. It becomes more of a slog than a thrill ride.
Visuals & Cinematography
The visual tone of Havoc is dark, gritty, and moody—matching the themes of the film. The cinematography is solid but doesn’t bring anything visually innovative. The gloomy cityscape does help set the mood, but it’s not enough to make the film stand out.
Final Verdict: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5/5)
Havoc is okay for a one-time watch if you’re a fan of crime thrillers or Tom Hardy. But if you’re expecting groundbreaking action or a deep, emotionally gripping story, this film might disappoint.
Tom Hardy tries hard, but the action isn’t thrilling, and the story doesn’t stick. It’s a classic case of great potential slightly wasted.
Should You Watch It?
✅ Watch if you:
- Like Tom Hardy in tough-guy roles
- Enjoy crime dramas with a gritty aesthetic
- Want something dark and moody for a weekend stream
❌ Skip if you:
- Are expecting The Raid-level action
- Want a strong, character-driven story
- Hate slow-paced thrillers
Your Turn
Have you watched Havoc? What did you think of Tom Hardy’s performance? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!