NetflixHavoc is an action-packed crime thriller that pits Tom Hardy’s cop against drug gangs, Triads, a corrupt politician, and his own police force – here’s how that story plays out, including if our hero completes his dangerous mission.
In Dexerto’s Havoc review, we wrote that the “director and cast deliver a series of unique set-pieces that truly elevate the material.”
The Netflix film stars Tom Hardy as Walker, a cop charged with the task of finding, protecting, and delivering low-level criminal Charlie to his father, a mayoral candidate called Beaumont.
But Charlie was involved in a drug deal gone wrong, resulting in good cops, bad cops, and Triads all wanting him dead. SPOILERS ahead as we break down what happens.
Why does everyone want to kill Charlie in Havoc?
Everyone believes Charlie to be responsible for a massacre during a bad drug deal, which results in the death of Tsing, the son of a Triad boss. This is why people on both sides of the law want him dead.
But in reality, the bloodbath was carried out by a group of corrupt cops led by Walker’s nemesis Vincent, and masterminded by Tsing’s uncle Ching, because he was passed over for promotion.
Chases, brutal brawls, and lengthy gun-fights follow, as Walker endeavours to protect Charlie and his girlfriend Mia, while everyone else tries to kill them.
All of which builds to an ultra-violent climax during which all the characters congregate at a fishing hut by a timber mill and some train tracks.
Beaumont’s impossible choice
NetflixA standoff ensues between the Triads, the corrupts cops, and Walker, Charlie, and Mia, while there’s an amazing fight between Tom Hardy and Michelle Waterson’s ‘Assassin,’ which ends with her taking a fish-hook through the neck.
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At the same time, the Triads take Charlie and Mia hostage. Still believing Charlie killed her son, Tsing’s mother gives Beaumont an impossible decision to make.
While handing him a gun, she says: “Your son took the one thing I loved in this world. It’s only fair that you do the same to him.”
Beaumont says, “I’m sorry son,” as he points the gun at Mia. But Charlie kneels before him and begs “You shoot her, you shoot through me… I can’t lose anybody else! I can’t lose anymore!”
The truth comes out
At this pivotal moment, Walker’s partner Ellie shows up with the corrupt cops and Ching, and tells Tsing’s mother the truth: “They didn’t kill you son. You’ve been chasing the wrong people.”
Ching admits all, saying: “You betrayed me first! When Big Brother died, it was supposed to be my time. But you put that kid in charge instead of me. I warned you your son wasn’t ready to lead.”
It then suddenly all kicks off, with Triads killing corrupt cops, and corrupt cops killing Triads. Beaumont takes a bunch of bullets for his boy, and bleeds out in his arms, while Ching shoots Tsing’s mother dead, before Vincent mows him down.
Havoc’s final showdown
NetflixVincent makes off with the drugs from that original deal, with Walker in hot pursuit, and the pair of them end up in a chase on the train tracks.
Vincent manages to hop on the back of a train, but Walker shoots at him and he falls. Walker approaches and says: “You don’t get to walk away from this.” Vincent responds with: “You don’t get to f*cking backpedal. Not after what you’ve done,” referring to their own criminal past.
“I ain’t gonna run no more,” says Walker, “don’t make me put you down Vince.”
Vincent realizes he’s the last living person who knows about Walker’s big regret, so panics, grabs his gun, turns, and shoots. But Walker shoots faster and deadlier, filling him with bullets, and killing Vincent.
Walker faces the music
NetflixEllie tells Charlie and Maria that they are safer turning themselves in, but they decide to take their chances on their own and drive off into the night.
She then finds Walker bleeding out on the ground. He tells her she should arrest him, and that she’s a good cop who he probably should’ve been nicer to.
Ellie promises to deliver Walker’s Christmas present to his daughter (yes, Havoc is a Christmas movie), but he says no, as he doesn’t want to ruin her day.
The movie then ends with a close-up on Walker’s face, as cop cars arrive on the scene, and he steels himself to meet his fate.
Havoc is streaming on Netflix now, while you can head here to find out what the cast picked as their favorite action movies. Also, check out Dexerto’s list of the best action movies ever, while we’ve also picked the best new movies streaming on Netflix this month.
