The movie “Havoc” is director Gareth Evans’ latest, dynamically action-packed movie endeavor.
Evans’ film was published on Netflix’s platform on April 25, starring Tom Hardy as the film’s protagonist, a homicide detective named Walker. The film exhibits Walker’s under-the-table pursuit to protect Mayor Beaumont’s son, a man sought out by the police force after becoming the main murder suspect in a drug-related case that Walker had been assigned to. The main antagonist in the movie is Vincent (Timothy Olyphant), who serves on the same force as Walker.
Vincent’s corrupt nature is swiftly realized after he is revealed to be the drug lord’s true executioner. The storyline heavily relies on the roles of authority that both Vincent and Walker hold. These two characters irresponsibly use their positions, constantly asserting unwarranted force on multiple individuals alongside other self-benefiting schemes. While Vincent’s actions are showcased as despicable, Walker’s character is painted as more sympathetic. However, viewers must understand that both characters operate unjustly in their positions.
In the movie’s opening scene, Walker’s internal dialogue details the series of corrupt activities that he’d intertwined himself into. He holds one specific happening as more regrettably detestable than the rest: An incident in which he injured an undercover cop while Vincent and him pursued a self-serving drug scheme. To cover their tracks, Vincent proceeded to shoot the injured individual to permanently silence him from sharing his findings. They both attempt to diminish the sordid actions that they commit by clutching onto their titles.
Throughout the film, the number of times the cops flash their golden badges after wrongdoings is sizable. This demonstrative imagery declares the shield-shaped symbol as an item for them to hide behind, which enables the pursuit of their dishonorable actions. At one point, Walker attempts to protect another wrongfully suspected individual within the case.
In this intense scene, Vincent attempts to apprehend her, claiming that she was partially responsible for the drug-related bloodshed. Vincent demands that Walker hand her over to him, probing him with the question, “Aren’t you with us?” Upon delivering this line, he proceeds to flash his badge to Walker. In response to his command, Walker firmly states that he is not with them.
Vincent’s actions are showcased as undeniably detestable, but Walker’s character is more gray-scaled. Overall, Walker is painted as an individual viewers can sympathize with, but both of these cop characters are components attached to a largely unreasonable system. The movie’s dialogue provides a few separate instances in which the concept of being a “good cop” is mentioned. A notable example is Vincent’s justification for killing the undercover cop, claiming that the deceased man was likely “one of the good guys.”
Vincent’s character contrasts greatly with Walker’s. When the two are compared, Walker pales in comparison to Vincent’s viciousness. But, it is vital to recall that the system at hand does not allow for the differentiation of their morally positive and negative qualities.
Verdict: The police badges accompanying the cop-characters in the movie, “Havoc” serve as symbolic shields for their corrupt and unjust behavior. As is true in this movie’s reality and in current affairs, all of the cops within the police force become a problematic component due to the system in which they are a part of.
