Is Havoc Worth Watching? Tom Hardy’s Netflix Thriller Reviewed

Havoc Official Movie Trailer starring Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy's latest film, Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans (known for The Raid), is now streaming on Netflix and has garnered mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike.

🔥 Plot Overview

In Havoc, Hardy portrays Detective Walker, a weary and morally ambiguous cop who becomes entangled in a city's criminal underworld after a drug deal goes awry. Tasked with rescuing a politician's estranged son, Walker uncovers a web of corruption involving crime syndicates and dirty cops. The film unfolds over a single, chaotic night, delivering a relentless barrage of action sequences. Source: Reddit, Decider

🎬 Action and Direction

Evans brings his signature style of intense, stylized violence to Havoc, featuring choreographed gunfights and martial arts combat reminiscent of John Woo’s bullet ballets. One particularly memorable scene involves Hardy's character using a harpoon gun in a graphic and unexpected manner, showcasing the film's blend of gore and dark humor.  Source: Financial Times, Cinemablend

🧠 Critical Reception

The film holds a 66% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a notably lower 37% audience rating.  Critics have praised the film's action sequences and Hardy's intense performance but have criticized its thin plot and underdeveloped characters. Some have described it as "all cool elements and no coherence," likening it to a "Grand Theft Auto" adaptation in a derogatory sense. Source: Games Radar, Vulture

📊 Streaming Performance

Despite its high-profile cast and director, Havoc was recently surpassed in Netflix's global streaming rankings by the German-language thriller Exterritorial. While Havoc debuted on April 25, 2025, its prolonged delays and mixed reviews may have impacted its streaming performance. Source: GamesRadar

🎥 Final Thoughts

Havoc delivers on action and visual style, characteristic of Evans' previous work, and features a compelling performance by Hardy. However, its conventional plot and lack of character development may leave some viewers wanting more. For fans of gritty action films, Havoc offers a visceral experience, but it may not satisfy those seeking a deeper narrative.

Watch it on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/ph-en/title/81330790