\Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans (The Raid, Gangs of London), is a high-octane action thriller now streaming on Netflix. The film stars Tom Hardy as Detective Walker, a corrupt cop navigating a violent criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s son. Released on April 25, 2025, Havoc has quickly become one of Netflix’s most-watched films of the week.
Set in a rain-soaked, corrupt city, Havoc follows Detective Walker as he embarks on a mission to rescue Charlie Beaumont (Justin Cornwell), the son of powerful real estate mogul Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker). After a drug deal goes wrong, Charlie and his girlfriend Mia (Quelin Sepulveda) become targets of both the Triad and corrupt police officers. As Walker delves deeper into the criminal underworld, he uncovers a web of corruption and conspiracy that threatens to engulf the entire city
The film features a star-studded cast:
- Tom Hardy as Detective Walker
- Forest Whitaker as Lawrence Beaumont
- Timothy Olyphant as Officer Vincent
- Jessie Mei Li as Ellie, a rookie cop and Walker’s ally
- Justin Cornwell as Charlie Beaumont
- Quelin Sepulveda as Mia
- Luis Guzmán as Raul, Mia’s uncle
- Yeo Yann Yann as a vengeful Yakuza mother
- Sunny Pang as Ching, her loyal enforcer
Critics have praised the performances, particularly Hardy’s portrayal of a morally complex character
Director Gareth Evans brings his expertise in action choreography to Havoc, delivering intense and operatic violence reminiscent of his previous works. The film’s cinematography, led by Matt Flannery, captures the gritty atmosphere of the city, immersing viewers in its dark and chaotic world.
Havoc has received a mix of reviews:
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a 66% approval rating based on 83 critic reviews.
- Metacritic: The film has a score of 59/100, indicating mixed or average reviews.
Despite the mixed critical reception, Havoc has resonated with audiences seeking intense action and complex characters
Havoc is a relentless action thriller that showcases Tom Hardy’s commanding presence and Gareth Evans’ mastery of action filmmaking. While the film’s violence may be overwhelming for some, it offers a gripping narrative for fans of the genre. Now streaming on Netflix, Havoc is a must-watch for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience.