Tom Hardy Unleashes Brutal Fury in Netflix’s Explosive New Crime Thriller Havoc

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The film “Havoc” is well-known for its cops-and-robbers theme, yet it distinguishes itself from others with superior action sequences, notably its fights, and an ominous portrayal by the talented Tom Hardy.

Hardy has a knack for high-energy roles; he started with Black Hawk Down, followed by the sports drama Warrior, and most recently, took on the lead role in the critically acclaimed film Mad Max: Fury Road.

It was likely only a matter of time before he collaborated with Gareth Evans, an action director renowned for his thrilling work in films like The Raid and the television series Gangs of London.

The team’s shared endeavor is called “Havoc”, a Netflix crime-thriller series where Hardy showcases his unique style of growling and delivering powerful blows, during action sequences meticulously arranged and filmed with flair.

What is Havoc about?

In a different phrasing, “Havoc” is another work penned by Evans, and its storyline is intricate, setting opposing criminal gangs against the authorities through various unexpected events and shifts in direction.

The main character is Charlie, a novice crook who manages to survive a massacre at the start. However, this tragic event leads to the demise of a significant figure, causing both honest and corrupt police officers to pursue him, as well as a group of Triads and a mayoral contender.

The individual at hand is Beaumont, who’s a property tycoon with some ethical concerns, and Charlie is his distant son, whom Beaumont wishes to see in good health and safety.

The individual assigned for the job is Detective Walker, portrayed by Tom Hardy, who owes a favor to Beaumont. Consequently, Walker proposes a deal: if he manages to locate, safeguard, and bring the child, their debt will be settled.

In agreement with the arrangement, Beaumont sets sail, while Walker embarks on a destructive journey that rapidly gets out of hand.

Tom Hardy’s Walker is an intriguing protagonist

Havoc star Tom Hardy names his favorite action movies

— TopMob (@TopMob) April 21, 2025

Throughout the film, Walker appears to strive for what’s morally correct, yet through numerous flashbacks, we come to understand that he wasn’t always this virtuous. In fact, the character initially suggests a past decision he made, one that defies justification and absolution.

Consequences of those choices have led to Walker being separated from his spouse and little one, harboring contempt for the world, and grappling with an identity crisis. In other words, he’s currently perplexed and uncertain.

In this narrative, the mission unearths specters from Walker’s past that torment him in the now, implying that aside from rescuing Charlie, our seemingly selfless hero may find salvation too. The idea of possible redemption is captivating, more so when it revolves around a protagonist who feels his life has no purpose.

The part seems perfectly suited to the movie’s lead actor, as while Walker rarely speaks, Tom Hardy skillfully portrays a story of anguish and torment through his expressions, giving the character a sense of vulnerability that often makes him relatable, even amidst the destruction he inflicts.

Additionally, it offers a renowned on-screen tough guy the chance to engage in fierce confrontations with multiple cinematic heavyweights such as Forest Whitaker, Luis Guzmán, and Timothy Olyphant. It’s thrilling to witness him measure up against each one of them.

Action that’s off the charts

In other words, since the movie is produced by Gareth Evans, it’s only natural that Hardy engages in combat with a few tough characters, along with hordes of henchmen and women, in scenes filled with intense violence and gore.

The action begins with an outstanding car chase, so spectacular it’s worth watching on a screen larger than your typical Netflix screen. The camera moves fluidly between and through the vehicles and traffic, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

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The exciting car chase at the start is something you wouldn’t want to miss if viewed on a larger screen than what Netflix usually offers. The cinematography skillfully follows and weaves in and out of the cars and traffic, resulting in a breathtaking display.

Additionally, there’s a short scene accompanied by ‘O Holy Night,’ given that this movie premiered in April but is thematically set during Christmas. However, the first intense emotional moment doesn’t occur until over 50 minutes into the film, which seems prolonged for a movie of this type.

Despite the anger being somewhat soothed by the knowledge that the ‘Medusa Club’ segment consists of a brutal 10-minute sequence involving punching, kicking, stabbing, and gunfire.

Again, the camera moves close to and around the fight scene as it intensifies, with notable moments such as a unique angle taken under a glass floor, and gunshots synchronizing with an electrifying electronic soundtrack.

However, the most thrilling aspect of this venture involves a fight between Walker and Michelle Waterson’s assassin. In this intense encounter, the skilled MMA fighter, Walker, delivers a series of powerful blows that leave Hardy visibly shaken on the screen. The fight concludes in a fittingly twisted manner.

Is Havoc good?

As far as character development and narrative structure go, Havoc delivers a reliable tale without significantly innovating in the crime genre. Regrettably, it’s bogged down by an excess of characters, leaving certain sinister figures in the movie inadequately developed.

As a devoted admirer, I must say that Evans skillfully juggles numerous plots and characters, leading us to an explosive finale where all threads converge in a single, intense moment. The conclusion provides a poignant blend of satisfaction and sorrow that leaves me breathless.

However, what makes Havoc stand out among similar genres is its distinctive actions, which are brought to life exceptionally well by the director and actors through an array of extraordinary scenes that significantly enhance the storyline.

TopMob Review Score: 4/5 – Great

In terms of plot, Havoc might be an old tale, but with the charismatic presence of Tom Hardy and a seasoned action director at the helm, it promises to deliver a visually innovative burst of high-octane, testosterone-infused entertainment.

Starting on April 25, 2025, you can watch “Havoc” on Netflix. To discover the favorite action films chosen by the Havoc cast members, follow this link. For TopMob’s recommendations of top-notch action movies throughout history, check out this other link instead.

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2025-04-24 21:19