Havoc is a new film releasing on Netflix this Friday from writer & director Gareth Evans. The film stars Tom Hardy, Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker. After a drug deal gone wrong, a bruised detective must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son, while unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy that ensnares his entire city.

To say that I am a fan of Gareth Evans work is an understatement. Don’t get him confused with sci-fi filmmaker with Gareth Edwards. This is the guy that made the incredible The Raid: Redemption & its sequel, The Raid 2 – one of my all-time favorite movies. He last directed Apostle a film that came out in 2018 on Netflix. Since this is also releasing on Netflix, you may be wondering why we are just now getting a new movie from him. Believe it or not, this film actually finished filming back in 2021. Why is it releasing now? Word on the street is that the SAG-AFTRA strike had a play in it, resulting in a delay in reshoots. Even then, the time it took for this to finally release did concern me. Worry not, because this film is great!

The beginning of the film is perhaps the weakest point of the film resulting in what may be Evan’s least favorite of mine, but that’s not to say that I had a great time. To get the negatives out of the way, I was disappointed by the opening action scene utilizing CGI. If you have seen the car chase in The Raid 2, the opening sequence feels like it weakens Evans’ talents as director. On top of that, while I didn’t have a problem with it, I can see viewers getting tired of the crooked cop who has to do bad things for his family.

The setup can even feel like it takes a while, but that’s the magic of Evans’ worldbuilding that he so masterfully skilled through his work on The Raid 2. When you begin to realize what kind of person the main character is, played by Tom Hardy, you’ll begin to realize just how misunderstood he is and how he is trying to make it right. At 105 minutes, Evans creates a lot of unique characters that need the time they are given to be fully developed to better understand their motives in this grimy world that the cinematography is able to capture. I honestly avoided all of the trailers even though I was excited for this (it’s easy when it’s coming out on a streamer), so at one point I didn’t think there may be much action. Then, the second half hits and we are reminded all over again why Evans is singlehandedly one of the best action film directors of our time.

As soon as Hardy’s character walks into a club, the tone feels just right, transitioning into the first of two of the best action sequences of the decade that this film has to deliver. What I witnessed on screen is further proof Netflix needs to put their movies on the biggest screen possible in theaters like this one. I was audibly gasping by what I was witnessing from the brutality to the camera work that reminded me of what I loved about The Raid movies. Over a decade later, Evans hasn’t lost his touch. If anything, this feels like he’s bringing his talents to an American audience.

If you are familiar with Evans’ prior work, I suppose you can see the similarities between Hardy’s character and Rama from The Raid, especially with the second of the two best action sequences of this decade. Hardy goes all out as he fights highly-trained individuals that he seems to overpower to make it alive for his kid. The action in this sequence is brutal and hard-hitting. There are moments here that were completely unpredictable that I think will also satisfy action & Evans’ fans.

Hardy leads the film through impressive action choreography and shows emotion as someone struggling to find his place in this cruel world. The film boasts an impressive supporting cast with Jessie Mei Li, Timothy Olyphant, and Forest Whitaker being strong standouts. After this, Jessie Mei Li is going to be in a lot of stuff going forward. She plays a compelling character that ends up having an awesome presence by the end through his actions. Olyphant does something new that challenges Hardy. Whitaker is also put in an emotionally fitting performance. What I love about this world is how every single one of these characters are shown both bad and as good, giving layers to every single one of them.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out when it releases. I could see viewers wanting more action sooner. I could also see viewers being turned away by its violence. It certainly has Evans’ signature style that I hope will make viewers at least visit his earlier works. If you are already a fan, I think you will have a good time.

Overall, Havoc is a whole of fun that gives meaningful arcs & a layered story with two of the best actions sequences of the decade. Even with a few flaws I found with the film, this film still proves a point as to why Evans is one of the best working action directors today. I sure hope we don’t have to wait too long for another film from Evans.

VERDICT: 4.5/5 (Amazing)