Havoc
A mesmerising pandemonium, Gareth Evans’s Havoc is a true showcase of how he has mastered the art form of action-packed thrills infused with nuanced storytelling. The feature follows Tom Hardy as the bruised and battered police detective, Walker. Walker has made some unsavoury decisions, which include underhanded deals with corrupt politician, Lawrence Beaumont, played by Forest Whitaker. Estranged from his wife and daughter, the detective is eager to find a way out. With a new case on a drug deal gone wrong, he sees this as his one last chance to turn his life around. Tasked with saving Lawrence’s son, in exchange for never having to follow the politician’s orders again, he faces the dangerous criminal underworld of the Chinese triad and traitorous coppers.
Explosive and dynamic, Havoc excels in weaving psychology and character development amidst martial arts and gun-slinging prowess. At the core of the film is a story of parents and children, and how far someone will go for the people they love. This is represented in the characters of Walker, Mother and Lawrence, each of whom aid in the exploration of family, choice and love with a delicate vengeance. Yeo Yann Yann, in particular, is stellar in her performance as Mother. Quiet and cunning, she captures the balance of emotional vulnerability with the authority of someone ruthlessly feared and respected.
Hardy has perfected the formula for the sarcastic anti-hero. Walker is condescending and mean-spirited. Yet, even though he’s rough and callous, with questionable actions and shaky motivations, Hardy maintains a magnetic quality in his performance that leaves Walker a sympathetic figure. Some of his best moments throughout the picture are in his interactions with Jessie Mei Li’s character, Ellie. The two have fantastic chemistry; they work well together in the comedic moments and thrive as a duo in the emotional beats. Li holds her own with a fascinating character arc of an initially meek and demure police officer just following orders, to someone who takes charge and makes key decisions that affect the climax of the third act.
Michelle Waterson-Gomez as the silent and highly competent Assassin is also an intriguing addition to the cast. Gomez, with her mixed martial arts background, adds an interesting angle to the choreography and stunts. The Assassin as a character keeps tensions high throughout Havoc with her quiet yet lethal presence, lurking in the shadows and attacking mercilessly as Mother’s right-hand woman. Gomez, through her physicality and facial expressions, provides depth and humanity to this lineless character. Finally, Quelin Sepulveda’s Mia is another highlight for the women of the feature. Walker and Mia, as a du,o exhibit some of the more exciting stunts and choreography. But where Sepulveda truly shines is in the emotional journey her character goes through with Justin Cornwell’s Charlie.
The cast in general is brimming with talent, from the brief presence of Luis Guzmán as Raul, to Timothy Olyphant’s conniving portrayal of Vincent. Beyond the star-studded lineup and excellence in storytelling, Havoc is a beautiful piece of cinema. The colours and the aesthetics are vibrant and electric, with every frame having something exciting to offer. Evans sets the standard for what a film in this genre should be: a high-octane marvel that doesn’t sacrifice heart and thematic execution.
Mae Trumata
Havoc is released on Netflix on 25th April 2025.
Watch the trailer for Havoc here:
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