Directed by Gareth Evans.
Havoc was released on April 25, 2025.
Distributed by Netflix.
Movie Review
Havoc (2025), directed by Gareth Evans, delivers a gritty and intense action thriller that plunges viewers into a chaotic world of crime and corruption.
Starring Tom Hardy as Walker, a corrupt detective caught in a dangerous drug deal gone wrong, the film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
The gripping storyline follows Walker as he navigates a web of deception involving Charlie Beaumont (Justin Cornwell), the son of a mayoral candidate, leading to high-stakes confrontations.
The movie stands out with its expertly choreographed action scenes and a dark, atmospheric tone characteristic of Evans’ style.
Fans of hard-hitting thrillers will appreciate the relentless pace and visceral combat sequences, particularly a memorable nightclub shootout.
However, some critics have noted that Havoc falls short in character development and emotional depth, making it a film more suited for action lovers than those seeking a complex narrative.
Havoc is streaming exclusively on Netflix and is rated 18+ for mature content, including violence and language.
Ratings:
• Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
• IMDb: 5.7/10
• Google Audience Score: 51% liked this film.
Havoc (2025) Actors
Tom Hardy as Walker

DOB: September 15, 1977
Bio: Tom Hardy is an English actor known for his intense, transformative performances in films such as Mad Max: Fury Road, Inception, and Venom.
His career spans a diverse range of genres, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters with depth and raw emotion.
Hardy is also recognized for his dedication to physically demanding roles and his collaborations with visionary directors.
Role: Walker is a disgraced detective forced to navigate a dangerous criminal underworld while attempting to rescue a politician’s kidnapped son.
What to Expect: Expect a gritty, visceral performance filled with intense action sequences and emotional complexity as Hardy balances toughness with vulnerability.
Favorite Things: Hardy enjoys motorcycling and immersive training for roles, reflecting his passion for physicality and challenge.
Notable Works: Mad Max: Fury Road, Venom, Inception, The Revenant.
Jessie Mei Li as Ellie

DOB: August 27, 1995
Bio: Rising English actress Jessie Mei Li earned acclaim for her lead role in Netflix’s Shadow and Bone.
Her talent for blending emotional nuance with strength shines through in every project.
Li is noted for bringing fresh energy and depth to her characters, making her a standout in contemporary drama and fantasy.
Role: Ellie is a rookie detective partnered with Walker, determined to prove herself amidst the corruption and danger they face.
What to Expect: Li offers a strong, heartfelt performance, balancing innocence and grit in a high-pressure environment.
Favorite Things: Jessie enjoys reading and exploring different cultures, which enrich her character work.
Notable Works: Shadow and Bone, Last Night in Soho.
Luis Guzmán as Raul

DOB: August 28, 1956
Bio: Veteran actor Luis Guzmán is known for his memorable roles in Boogie Nights,
The Road to El Dorado, and numerous other projects.
His natural charisma and presence enrich any film he joins.
Role: Raul is Mia’s uncle, playing a pivotal role in the unfolding criminal web.
What to Expect: Guzmán provides a grounded, authentic portrayal of complex family dynamics in a crime-riddled world.
Favorite Things: Guzmán is passionate about music and community activism.
Notable Works: Boogie Nights, Wednesday, Waiting.
Timothy Olyphant as Vincent

DOB: May 20, 1968
Bio: Timothy Olyphant is celebrated for his charismatic roles in Justified and Deadwood.
His smooth, confident performances often bring depth to morally ambiguous characters.
Role: Vincent is a corrupt narcotics officer whose interference complicates Walker’s mission.
What to Expect: Expect Olyphant’s signature charm combined with a ruthless edge, adding tension and unpredictability.
Favorite Things: Olyphant enjoys golf and classic cars, reflecting his calm, collected persona off-screen.
Notable Works: Justified, Deadwood, The Mandalorian.
Forest Whitaker as Lawrence Beaumont

DOB: July 15, 1961
Bio: Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker has a vast and distinguished career with standout roles in The Last King of Scotland and Black Panther.
Whitaker brings profound gravitas and humanity to his performances.
Role: Lawrence Beaumont is a powerful and corrupt politician whose actions trigger the central conflict.
What to Expect: Whitaker delivers a commanding and nuanced portrayal of a man whose moral compromises reverberate throughout the story.
Favorite Things: Whitaker is passionate about humanitarian work and meditation, which informs his grounded presence.
Notable Works: The Last King of Scotland, Black Panther, The Butler.
Justin Cornwell as Charlie Beaumont
DOB: November 5, 1988
Bio: American actor Justin Cornwell has appeared in Training Day and The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete.
Known for his versatility, Cornwell captures the emotional complexity of characters caught between loyalty and survival.
Role: Charlie is the estranged son of a corrupt politician, whose dangerous past resurfaces amid the kidnapping plot.
What to Expect: Cornwell’s portrayal conveys inner conflict and determination, highlighting a man seeking redemption.
Favorite Things: Cornwell is passionate about music and fitness, which complement his dynamic acting style.
Notable Works: The Umbrella Academy, The InBetween.
Quelin Sepulveda as Mia
DOB: N/A
Bio: Quelin Sepulveda has appeared in Good Omens and The Man Who Fell to Earth, known for bringing authenticity and emotional depth to her roles.
Role: Mia is Charlie’s girlfriend, whose involvement in a botched drug deal escalates the stakes.
What to Expect: Sepulveda’s performance adds emotional weight and complexity to the film’s personal drama.
Favorite Things: Quelin enjoys contemporary dance and exploring new storytelling techniques.
Notable Works: Good Omens, The Man Who Fell to Earth.
Yeo Yann Yann as Tsui’s Mother
DOB: February 20, 1977
Bio: Malaysian actress Yeo Yann Yann is critically acclaimed for her performances in Wet Season and Ilo Ilo.
Her intense, layered acting style conveys powerful emotion.
Role: Tsui’s Mother is a formidable Triad boss, driven by grief and vengeance.
What to Expect: Expect a commanding and emotionally charged performance, embodying a relentless quest for justice.
Favorite Things: Yeo enjoys traditional Malaysian arts and martial arts training.
Notable Works: Wet Season, Ilo Ilo, American Born Chinese.
Sunny Pang as Ching
DOB: November 2, 1982
Bio: Singaporean actor Sunny Pang has made a mark in action films such as The Night Comes for Us and Headshot, known for his physicality and intensity.
Role: Ching is an enforcer working for Tsui’s Mother, skilled in combat and intimidation.
What to Expect: Pang brings fierce, precise action sequences and a menacing presence to the screen.
Favorite Things: Pang is passionate about martial arts and stunt choreography.
Notable Works: The Night Comes for Us, Headshot, Headshot.
Michelle Waterson as The Assassin
DOB: January 6, 1986
Bio: Former professional UFC fighter Michelle Waterson has transitioned to acting, leveraging her martial arts expertise in action roles.
Role: The Assassin is a deadly operative hired by Tsui’s Mother, showcasing lethal combat skills.
What to Expect: Waterson delivers authentic, dynamic fight scenes and a fierce, physical performance.
Favorite Things: Waterson is deeply invested in fitness, martial arts, and empowering women in sports.
Notable Works: Havoc (her breakout acting role)
Xelia Mendes-Jones as Johnny
DOB: N/A
Bio: Emerging talent Xelia Mendes-Jones gained attention for their role in Fallout, bringing emotional depth and authenticity.
Role: Johnny is Charlie’s loyal friend caught in the escalating criminal chaos.
What to Expect: Mendes-Jones offers a sincere and relatable performance amidst the film’s tension.
Favorite Things: Passionate about theater and advocacy for underrepresented voices.
Notable Works: Fallout, The Wheel of Time.
Narges Rashidi as Helena
DOB: March 21, 1980
Bio: Iranian-German actress Narges Rashidi is known for her critically acclaimed work in A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night and The Dark.
Role: Helena is Walker’s estranged wife, whose complicated relationship adds emotional stakes.
What to Expect: Rashidi delivers a nuanced, poignant portrayal of love and estrangement under pressure.
Favorite Things: Rashidi is involved in activism and independent cinema.
Notable Works: Under the Shadow, Gangs of London.
More Actors
• Richard Harrington as Jake
• Jim Caesar as Wes
• Lockhart Ogilvie as Undercover Cop
• Serhat Metin as Cortez
• Gordon Alexander as Hayes
• John Cummins as Jimmy
• Megan Lockhurst as News Anchor
• Jade Ogugua as Advisor
• Jack Morris as Meth Head Man
• Gareth Tidball as Apartment Woman
• Astrid Fox-Sahan as Emmy
FAQ – Havoc 2025
What is the runtime of the film?
The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes (107 minutes).
Where was Havoc filmed?
Havoc was primarily filmed in Cardiff, Wales, with locations transformed to resemble a snowy American cityscape. IMDB
What inspired the film’s style?
Director Gareth Evans described Havoc as a “love letter to the heroic bloodshed genre” made famous by Hong Kong directors like John Woo and Ringo Lam. WHAT’S ON NETFLIX
Is there a possibility of a sequel?
While Havoc was conceived as a standalone film, director Gareth Evans has expressed interest in exploring the story further, leaving room for a potential sequel. EW
Conclusion
Havoc (2025) is a thrilling action-packed ride that showcases Gareth Evans’ signature style and Tom Hardy’s intense performance.
While the film excels in delivering high-energy sequences and a dark, gripping atmosphere, it falls a bit short on deeper character development and emotional storytelling.
Perfect for fans of adrenaline-fueled crime dramas, Havoc provides solid entertainment but may leave viewers seeking more nuance somewhat unsatisfied.
Streaming now on Netflix, it’s a must-watch for action lovers looking for a gritty, fast-paced experience.