Gareth Evans, the Welsh actor who previously floored audiences with the skull-crushing brilliance of The Raid and The Raid 2, returns with Havoc, a Netflix offering that certainly lives up to its name in terms of over-the-top, gonzo mayhem.
Imagine shootouts stretching into what feels like extended percussive solos of gunfire, dozens upon dozens succumbing to automatic weaponry in a ballet of shoulder rolls, arm waves, and arterial spray. In a darkly comedic (if somewhat unsettling) moment, even a heavily bandaged, comatose hospital patient gets the machine gun treatment, performing a horizontal jitterbug in his pajamas as lead fills the air.
However, while Evans undeniably brings the chaos, the sheer volume and almost meaningless nature of the violence, coupled with a CGI-enhanced cityscape (Cardiff masquerading as a Gotham-esque metropolis) that feels distinctly artificial, leaves one slightly detached.
A Brutal Ballet with a Broken Storyline
Enter Tom Hardy, channelling a wheezy tough-guy persona as Walker, a disillusioned yet fundamentally decent cop tangled in the web of corrupt politician Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker).
When Beaumont’s son Charlie (Justin Cornwell) becomes a wanted man for drug running and the alleged slaying of a pampered Chinese gang prince, it’s Walker who’s tasked with the unenviable job of rescuing him from both the police and vengeful triads. Aiding him is the smart rookie cop Ellie (Jessie Mei Li), while the reliable officer Vincent (Timothy Olyphant) stands in their way.
Hardy, despite the film’s shortcomings, remains a magnetic presence. He embodies Walker as a detective who looks like he’s had more encounters with fists than with sleep. Narrating his troubled journey while simultaneously failing at fatherhood, Walker navigates a moody, Sin City-esque world teeming with angry gangs (led by Yeo Yann Yann), coke-snorting dirty cops, and a drug deal gone spectacularly wrong. The initial scenes, shrouded in mystery and blending comic book visuals with gritty realism, establish Walker as a man weathered by life’s brutal punches.
A Tangled Web of Tropes and Twitchiness
As the plot thickens (or perhaps curdles), Walker, increasingly bruised, bleeding, and exhibiting a nervous twitch, delves deeper into a criminal labyrinth sparked by Mia’s (Quelin Sepulveda) debt. Adding to the well-worn “rundown cop” trope is his new partner, Ellie, who injects a much-needed dose of earnestness into the film’s dark heart.
Yet, Havoc lives up to its title in its narrative structure, feeling tragically “all over the place” with a barrage of characters and storylines that feel suffocatingly cramped.
While Evans undoubtedly orchestrates the action with a certain brutal artistry, there are moments where choppy editing and an over-reliance on CGI detract from the immersion. The visceral, grounded fight choreography that defined his earlier work feels somewhat diluted here, with rapid cuts undermining the impact of the brawls.
However, despite the narrative clutter, the performances offer glimmers of hope. Hardy, even with a less-than-robust story, commands the screen, imbuing Walker with small, expressive moments of humanity beneath his gruff exterior.
Li provides a welcome counterbalance to the darkness, her earnestness and vulnerability grounding the film’s more absurd elements. Yann delivers a quietly menacing performance as the grief-stricken gang leader mother, adding to Walker’s mission.
And Olyphant, as always, steals scenes with his cool, unpredictable energy and trademark swagger, leaving you wishing the film had given its talented cast more room to breathe.
Is It Worth A Watch?
Havoc delivers on its violent promises and features strong acting that prevents total collapse of the movie. However, Evans’ style at times feels missing, a letdown considering his past successful movies.
While the bone-rattling action and top-tier cast keep you engaged on a superficial level, the film ultimately buckles under the weight of a cluttered story and chaotic execution. Despite moments of genuine entertainment and watchability, the film “Havoc” lacks substantial depth and meaning, it feels ordinary and at times, even skippable.
Conclusion
Havoc on Netflix delivers a relentless barrage of over-the-top action, true to its title, but often at the expense of a coherent story. Gareth Evans’ signature chaotic violence is present, yet feels somewhat hollow amidst a convoluted plot and artificial cityscape.
While Tom Hardy and a talented supporting cast offer compelling performances, their efforts are often overshadowed by the film’s narrative clutter and reliance on style over substance. It’s a watchable action flick that ultimately feels like a missed opportunity.