Does the long-awaited Netflix thriller Havoc live up to expectations?

When Netflix announces a new title, it's not surprising that we have to wait a bit; but four years is quite a long time. Yet that was exactly the case with the latest action thriller ‘Havoc’. Now that the film is finally here, it immediately takes the number one spot. However, the reactions seem to go in all directions. Was the long wait really worth it, or is it a bit disappointing?

Havoc: a violent chaos

After a failed undercover operation, detective Patrick Walker (Tom Hardy) is physically and mentally quite drained. While he tries to pick himself up again and restore contact with his family, he finds himself back in chaos. He is tasked with investigating a failed drug deal, but the case quickly proves to be much more complicated than expected. Walker discovers that the son of corrupt politician Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker), for whom he has done business before, is the main suspect in the deal. Beaumont now orders Walker to protect his son. At the risk of his own life, the detective dives into the criminal underworld where he must navigate various corruption and conspiracies; even his own colleagues seem not entirely trustworthy.

Delays after delays: why Havoc is only now being released

‘Havoc’ was first announced in early 2021, and filmed that same year. The plan was for the film to be released on Netflix sometime in 2022; but that didn't go as planned. During post-production, director Gareth Evans discovered that he was not entirely satisfied with the final result of all the recordings. Therefore, he wanted to re-film parts of the movie. But with a lead actor like Tom Hardy, finding a gap in that busy schedule is quite difficult. To make it even more complicated, the plans for additional shoots coincided with the major strikes in Hollywood. Ultimately, filming could only resume in July 2024. And after more issues in post-production, it was finally time on April 25, 2025: the release of ‘Havoc’ on Netflix.

Havoc receives mixed reactions from critics and fans

Due to all the delays, fans were eagerly awaiting the release. Especially since it had been ten years since Evans, known for his strong action films, had worked in this genre. Now that the film is out, it is immediately being watched en masse. ‘Havoc’ quickly reached number one on Netflix, dethroning ‘iHostage’. However, not everyone is equally enthusiastic about the action thriller. On Rotten Tomatoes it remains stuck at a rather meager 65 percent. Certainly a passing grade, but the reactions do carry a hint of disappointment. Especially the storyline receives criticism. It is said to be too cheesy, but at the same time also far too chaotic. Not entirely unjustified, with the many characters it can sometimes be hard to remember who belongs to whom. The large amount of violence also doesn't appeal to everyone. Let's just say there were quite a few bags of fake blood and fake bullets used during the shoots; it is, of course, part of an action thriller, but you have to like it. Fortunately, there is not only criticism; Tom Hardy's acting manages to please fans. He is indeed the strong focal point of the film.

Will there be a sequel to Havoc? This is what the creators say

Although the reactions may be divided, ‘Havoc’ certainly attracts many viewers; and that is good news for director Evans. Although he wants to wait and see if the film ultimately becomes a success, he is secretly already thinking about a possible sequel. “It's a world and a tone that I've really enjoyed creating, so I wouldn't mind getting back to it. We've talked about it on set, so we'll see.” What the exact storyline will be is still to be determined. There seem to be some points of connection, but, as is often the case in an action film, some characters also meet their demise. So it could go in any direction.

More Tom Hardy films you can't miss after Havoc

For those who are curious and want to form their own opinion about this new action thriller, you can now check it out on Netflix. For everyone who ‘Havoc’ has already crossed off their list, or simply hasn't had enough of Tom Hardy, which we totally understand, there are fortunately still plenty of other titles in which we can admire him:

· Venom (Netflix)
Perhaps one of his most famous roles is that of Eddie Brock in ‘Venom’. In this film from the Marvel universe, journalist Brock's body is fused with that of an alien during an investigation, which quickly leads to a special bond.

· The Revenant (Disney+)
You might almost forget, but the film that is primarily known for Leonardo DiCaprio finally winning an Oscar also earned Tom Hardy a nomination. Hardy played the key supporting role of John Fitzgerald; the man whom DiCaprio's character seeks out for revenge for the murder of his son, and he did that quite well.

· Dunkirk (Netflix)
It happens more often that films are partially shot in the Netherlands, and that big actors come here; Tom Hardy is no exception. He played the role of fighter pilot Farrier in the war film ‘Dunkirk’, which was partially filmed in Urk. We will probably have a hard time recognizing the landscapes with all those effects, but it's still a nice idea.

· Peaky Blinders (Netflix)
We can also spot Hardy in this all-time favorite. Not right at the beginning, but from season two he plays the role of Alfie Solomons, the leader of a Jewish criminal gang and owner of a distillery. Everything about this series is, of course, delightful, and Hardy's acting certainly contributes to that. It's no punishment to watch it (again).

Image: Netflix