The story follows Mallory Kane (Gina Carano), a highly skilled operative working for a private intelligence firm. The narrative is presented in a non-linear fashion, with the main events unfolding through flashbacks.
The film begins with Mallory having a seemingly routine mission in Barcelona, Spain, working alongside British agent Paul (Michael Fassbender). However, the mission takes a violent turn, and Mallory realizes she has been set up. She goes on the run, seeking answers and revenge.
As Mallory evades pursuers, the film delves into her past assignments, revealing her involvement in various covert operations. These flashbacks provide context to her skills, relationships, and the reasons behind her betrayal.
The climax of the film occurs when Mallory confronts the individuals responsible for her betrayal, including her former handler Kenneth (Ewan McGregor) and a government official named Coblenz (Michael Douglas). The final confrontation takes place at Kenneth’s house, leading to intense hand-to-hand combat sequences.
Throughout the film, Mallory showcases her exceptional combat skills, utilizing her background in mixed martial arts to defeat opponents. The action sequences are characterized by their realism and lack of stylized choreography.
The movie concludes with Mallory successfully extracting revenge on those who betrayed her. The final scenes leave her future ambiguous, hinting at a continuation of her life on the run.
“Haywire” received positive reviews for Gina Carano’s performance and the film’s realistic action sequences. The non-linear storytelling and Soderbergh’s minimalist style were also noted by critics. While the film didn’t achieve massive box office success, it gained appreciation for its unique approach to the action genre.