Netflix has just dropped Havoc, and early reactions suggest action fans - especially those who love the John Wick franchise - are in for a treat.

Starring Tom Hardy and directed by Gareth Evans, Havoc is a brutal, fast-paced action thriller that’s already being hailed as one of the most exciting releases of the year.

Set in a sprawling, crime-ridden city, Havoc follows a weary detective named Walker (played by Hardy) who must fight his way through an underworld of corruption and violence after a drug deal goes wrong.

As he battles through endless obstacles, Walker also races against time to rescue the estranged son of a powerful politician. The film’s relentless, close combat and emotional moments have drawn immediate comparisons to John Wick - but Havoc offers a distinct flavour of its own.

Much of the buzz around Havoc comes from Gareth Evans’ signature style. Best known for directing The Raid and The Raid 2, Evans has built a reputation for intense, visceral fight scenes that don’t shy away from showing the brutal toll violence takes on its characters.

Viewers who were appreciative of the style of action of The Raid will likely find Havoc even more ambitious, blending intense choreography with the moody storytelling that Tom Hardy thrives in.

Besides Hardy, Havoc features a strong supporting cast. Forest Whitaker plays a senior detective who tries to steer Walker through the political fallout, while Timothy Olyphant appears as a fixer with secrets of his own.

Jessie Mei Li (known for Shadow and Bone) plays a woman caught between criminal factions, and Luis Guzmán rounds out the cast with a lighter character that provides brief moments of comedic relief.

Clocking in at around two hours, the film moves at a relentless pace, and some comment it avoids unnecessary subplots or long-drawn sequences.

Havoc was originally announced several years ago and had built up a steady wave of anticipation. With delays due to the pandemic and Hardy’s busy schedule, fans were unsure when they would finally see it. Now that it has landed, early buzz suggests it was worth the wait.

Havoc is a little more raw and rugged than what you find in polished, sophisticated action pieces like Mission: Impossible or John Wick - ideal for fans of realistic fight sequences, emotional depth, and stories about complex heroes.f

Havoc is streaming now exclusively on Netflix.