Havoc (2025) - Film Review

      Havoc, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Gareth Evans.

      Featuring Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, Jessie Mei Li, Yeo Yann Yann, Luis Guzmán, Sunny Pang, Michelle Waterson-Gomez, Quelin Sepulveda, Richard Harrington, Tom Wu, Narges Rashidi, Jill Winternitz, Gordon Alexander, John Cummins, Serhat Metin, Jim Caesar, Richard Pepper, Joe David Walters, Timothy Hornor, Astrid Fox-Sahan, Jeremy Ang Jones, Xelia Mendes-Jones, and Bailey Cameron.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Following a botched drug deal, a battered detective must navigate the criminal underworld to save a politician's estranged son, exposing a deep network of corruption and conspiracy that entangles his entire city.

      Havoc signifies a return to the hyper-violent action style of writer/director Gareth Evans, known for The Raid. While I could delve into the intricate plot involving gang conflicts, corrupt officers, failed drug deals, and flawed protagonists, I recognize many readers simply want the essentials confirmed: yes, Tom Hardy delivers another menacing, eccentric character voice, and yes, the intense hand-to-hand combat and John Woo-inspired shootouts are exceptionally thrilling, leaving no room for mercy.

      However, I must adhere to my word count, so it's worth noting that the film features some captivating character interactions amidst the blood-soaked chaos. Tom Hardy’s detective Walker is mixed up in corruption (the prologue quickly outlines some of his choices that cannot be reversed) and currently conceals illicit actions for Mayor Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker) while attempting to uphold the rest of his duties. The film acknowledges that he isn’t entirely virtuous, as his wife shuns him, which includes not allowing him to give his six-year-old daughter a Christmas gift (a last-minute, thoughtless present wrapped in newspapers, illustrating his lack of effort in personal matters despite his good intentions). Walker also treats his new partner Ellie (Jessie Mei Li) in a condescending manner.

      Meanwhile, the mayor’s son Charlie (Justin Cornwell) and his girlfriend Mia (Quelin Sepulveda) are orchestrating a heist to sell drugs. During the transaction, a high-ranking Triad (involving nearly everyone in the building) is slain, leaving Walker to clean up the aftermath as a favor to Lawrence. However, this incident gives him leverage to insist on no longer covering up wrongdoing.

      This leads to the arrival of the vengeful mother of the Triad member (Yeo Yann Yann), who is more distressed about her son's death than the failed drug deal. Following her kidnapping of Lawrence, the contrasting reactions of two figures from opposite ends of the criminal world regarding their children create an engaging contrast. Simultaneously, Mia seeks assistance from her makeshift guardian, mechanic Raul (Luis Guzman), to secure passports for her and Charlie to escape the impending retribution. As Walker navigates his corrupt colleagues, chiefly Timothy Olyphant’s Vincent, he attempts to locate Charlie and ensure his safety. Additionally, there is a seriously injured officer (Serhat Metin) who was hurt in the initial car chase and has vital knowledge about the situation.

      While this may seem like a lot of narrative setup, it works well as Gareth Evans adeptly follows it up with relentless, adrenaline-pumping action sequences that shift from vehicular warfare to close combat and gunplay, delivering a wide range of excitement. The varied locations, from a nightclub to a secluded cabin (the latter providing a prolonged, intense standoff), enhance the viewing experience. Tom Hardy is seen dropkicking goons, while characters suffer gruesome deaths, ensuring that no one is safe from gunfire, resulting in an unabashedly urgent action film filled with genuine danger.

      Much like The Raid and classic global action cinema, each action set piece is prolonged and showcases dynamic camera movements that amplify the violence's impact while also lending a fashionable flair to the scenes. Don't be surprised if you lose track of how many times a sequence appears to conclude with a shocking kill, only to escalate to an even more brutal one. The heavy use of practical effects and impressive stunts create an experience reminiscent of the golden age of cinema. It's regrettable that this is only available for streaming on Netflix (it would shine in a theatrical setting). It’s also important to note that Havoc is not solely a showcase for Tom Hardy, as Ellie gets to demonstrate her combat abilities and resourcefulness, playing a significant role in the film’s climax.

      Even if Havoc doesn't deliver a profound narrative, it completely understands the nature of Walker's character, ending on a bittersweet note that underscores the absence of redemption for him. Ultimately, audiences are drawn in for the chaos, and Gareth Evans successfully delivers electrifying, blood-soaked thrills.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film