Tom Hardy’s Brutal Action Movie ‘Havoc’ Will Blow Fans of ‘The Raid’ Away!

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If you’re a fan of high-octane action movies with an edge of brutal finesse, then chances are you’ve come across “The Raid” and its sequel. This Indonesian duology has been serving up some of the finest action sequences from recent years. The fight choreography is truly awe-inspiring, and the way battles are staged within various environments sets it apart from anything else. Significantly, Gareth Evans’ filmmaking style didn’t quite catch on in Hollywood, as by the time they recognized its unique charm, they were already engrossed in the “John Wick” craze. Unfortunately, even that franchise seems to have strayed from what made it great initially, but the distinctive flair of “The Raid” remains largely unexploited.

At long last, Gareth Evans is returning to the big screen with his unique style, but this time on your smaller TV screens, as Hollywood prefers nowadays. His upcoming film, “Havoc“, starring Tom Hardy, is set to debut on Netflix and appears promising. Interestingly, it seems that Evans hasn’t been compelled to relinquish any of his creative vision or transform the movie into a John Wick-style action flick. While this isn’t necessarily a drawback, it’s worth noting that Evans’ fight scenes have always shined when they adhere to their own pacing. “Havoc” promises to extend Evans’ cinematic reach and bring the fighting onto the streets in ways he hasn’t attempted before. With such a seasoned craftsman at the helm, fans are eagerly anticipating its release.

‘The Raid’ Movies Are Some of the Best in Foreign Action Cinema

In my perspective, “The Raid” is a straightforward narrative about a police squad finding itself pinned inside a crime-ridden building, with the objective of apprehending the gang’s mastermind. This simple premise allows for an emphasis on thrilling action sequences that let the characters unfold naturally. The protagonist, Rama, isn’t portrayed as a traditional hero but rather as a man with something valuable to protect, as seen through his reluctance to engage in fights and his narrow victories. Unlike the intricate narratives of the John Wick universe, “The Raid” and its sequel “The Raid 2” opt for a more streamlined approach, focusing primarily on intense action sequences without unnecessary complications. In terms of fight choreography, Evans doesn’t weave convoluted tales, but instead, he prioritizes escalating intensity in each confrontation to the maximum extent possible.

The trailer for Havoc appears to adhere to the pattern of allowing action to drive the narrative, which is something Evans excels at without feeling compelled to convey deep, world-changing messages. In The Raid, for instance, Rama’s flight isn’t symbolic; he’s merely terrified. The tale and character insights derived from their fighting styles never surpass the fight sequences themselves. Instead, truthful moments are incorporated into the fight choreography. A brief glance from Rama at someone can convey all we need to know, capturing the action in its most fundamental form.

Tom Hardy Looks Fierce in the ‘Havoc’ Trailer

On numerous occasions, Hardy has opted for intriguing acting roles that deviated from the conventional path of a charismatic leading man, a route he could have effortlessly taken. Instead, he embraces daring acting moves, even if they don’t always yield success, which is truly admirable. In the film Havoc, Hardy’s martial arts background becomes strikingly useful. He displays immense courage when he chooses to, and his actions are unpredictable – you can’t quite guess what he’ll do next. This contrast with Evans’ precise acting style, where every punch and kick seems carefully planned, promises an intriguing dynamic.

In recent years, Tom Hardy hasn’t gotten many opportunities to showcase his physical prowess. Instead, he’s been deeply involved in the Venom universe for too long, and roles like The Bikeriders didn’t offer him enough freedom. However, Havoc provides an excellent stage for Hardy to shine and express himself. Moreover, the space that Evans will likely want to explore will also be utilized by Hardy. Even when he takes on traditional roles, Hardy adds a sense of uneasy intimacy, making viewers curious about how exposed and vulnerable his performance might be in the action scenes.

Gareth Evans Has an Amazing Action Style

In terms of fight scenes, Evans excels at establishing scale and escalating tension. Unlike John Wick and its numerous imitators of late, Evans avoids inflating the stakes by adding grander and grander action sequences in the climax. Instead, fights in The Raid and The Raid 2 become increasingly brutal and exhausting. As the battles progress, the emotional intensity shifts, making it all the more impactful because Evans never oversteps or becomes excessive. Essentially, The Raid films serve as an ideal pair for action enthusiasts who appreciate a healthy dose of violence and injury.

Concurrently, a character is being unveiled before us in their most dire circumstances. The lengths they’ll go to secure victory or what they seek when they require rescue offers insights into the harsh realities of the worlds portrayed by Gareth Evans, as depicted in Havoc. This film has the potential to broaden the sandbox even further, allowing Hardy to fully unleash his talents under the expansive camera work we’ve come to appreciate from the director. Netflix has been striving to make a mark in the action genre for quite some time with movies like Extraction, and Havoc could be just the ticket for the studio, as long as they give Evans free rein and push Hardy to his limits. You can stream Havoc on Netflix from April 25.

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2025-03-30 22:33