Common Sense Media Review
By Stefan Pape
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stylistic action thriller with brutal violence throughout.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Havoc
What's the Story?
HAVOC follows Detective Walker (Tom Hardy) in the aftermath of a drug bust gone violently wrong. With his partner critically injured in a clash with mercenaries, Walker becomes entangled in a dangerous mission to locate the estranged son of crooked politician Lawrence Beaumont (Forest Whitaker). This draws him into a tangled web of corruption gripping the city.
Is It Any Good?
Visionary action filmmaker Gareth Evans (The Raid: Redemption, Gangs of London) delivers another stylish, brutal film that will thrill fans of the genre. Havoc faced numerous production delays, but you'd never know it, with Evans excelling in both world-building and his signature, heart-pounding action choreography. One scene in a nightclub, in particular, is a sensational, brutal sequence that will leave audiences breathless. Despite the countless killings, fights, and bloodshed, none of the violence feels gratuitous—it's all deeply embedded in the story. Beneath the brutality lies a surprisingly human tale, anchored by Hardy's gritty performance as the hard-boiled Walker. He's given full license to go big here—and as is so often the case, he delivers. With a video game aesthetic, the movie pulls you in with its striking cinematography and then repeatedly punches you in the face with its adrenaline-fueled action.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Havoc. How did it make you feel? Did it ever feel gratuitous, or did it serve a narrative purpose? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this?
Discuss the character Walker. Were you rooting for him despite his flaws? Why, or why not? Did he remind you of any other characters from different movies?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 25, 2025
- Cast : Tom Hardy , Forest Whitaker , Timothy Olyphant
- Director : Gareth Evans
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 5, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate