Havoc review: Tom Hardy is the only saving grace in Gareth Evans' gore actioner
Netflix's 'Havoc' brings together Gareth Evans and Tom Hardy, two names that usually guarantee a solid action-packed film. Sadly, this time around, the final result is far from impressive. 'Havoc' feels like a missed opportunity, with Hardy being the only saving grace in an otherwise predictable and forgettable thriller.Directed and written by Gareth Evans, 'Havoc' follows the story of a bruised detective, played by Hardy, who must fight through the criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son. As the plot unfolds, we find layers of corruption and conspiracy gripping the entire city. It sounds exciting on paper, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired.advertisement
The first major issue is writing. There is nothing fresh or gripping about the story. We have seen this type of plot many times before. It follows the same tired path – a botched drug deal, a reluctant hero, endless goons to beat up, and some vague political corruption thrown in to add weight. The screenplay offers no surprises and moves in a very predictable manner. It feels like Evans decided to rely purely on action rather than building anything meaningful with the characters or story.Direction-wise, Evans does what he usually does – lots of violence, blood, and chaos. While that might be enough for some viewers looking for a mindless action flick, others would find it lazy. 'Havoc' is missing the tight storytelling and emotional connection that made Evans' earlier films like 'The Raid' stand out. Here, the narrative is just an excuse to move from one fight scene to the next. advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix UK & Ireland (@netflixuk)The supporting cast, including Forest Whitaker, Jessie Mei Li, and Timothy Olyphant, are all decent, but they are given very little to do. Whitaker's role, in particular, feels wasted. He is a brilliant actor, but here, he is sidelined to a few forgettable scenes. Jessie Mei Li and the others also do their best with the weak material, but there is only so much they can do when the writing does not support them.Now, coming to the good part – the action scenes. This is where 'Havoc' truly shines. The fight choreography is brutal, intense, and well shot. Tom Hardy is completely in his element here. He throws punches, takes blows, and grits through pain with a rawness that only he can deliver. The cinematography during these scenes deserves praise too. The camera work is fluid, capturing every punch and kick with clarity and energy. These moments are the main reason to sit through the film.Hardy's performance is the other big highlight. He fully commits to the role, even though the character itself is not very well-developed. His physicality, grim expressions, and sheer presence lift the film whenever he is on-screen. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix UK & Ireland (@netflixuk)If you are a Tom Hardy fan, you might still find 'Havoc' worth a watch just to enjoy him doing what he does best. However, if you are looking for something more – a gripping story, deep characters, or a fresh take on the action genre – you will be disappointed. 'Havoc' offers none of that. 'Havoc' feels rushed, shallow, and repetitive. Though not terrible, it's at max passable for a lazy afternoon when you just want to see some mindless action.In fact, Hardy's recent show with Pierce Brosnan, 'MobLand', could be a much better watch.2 out of 5 stars.Trending Reel
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