Here comes the boom.
Set in the heart of London, Fuze begins when a World War II bomb is discovered on a construction site, forcing a city-wide evacuation. As the clock ticks down, Major Will Tranter (Aaron Taylor-Johson) and his crew of explosive experts are brought in to ensure that the device never detonates, potentially leading to massive devastation. However, across town, Karalis (Theo James) has other things on his mind. Amidst the chaos, Karalis leads a meticulously-planned daylight heist that uses the evacuation as a distraction. As the authorities do their best to contain the crisis, alliances erode until the underworld begins to fight amongst itself.
Directed by Relay’s David Mackenzie, Fuze is an absolute blast. While it certainly has its flaws, this is a film that unashamedly embraces its campiness with such gritty intensity that it’s able to overcome any of its shortcomings. It’s ferocious, frantic and just plain fun.
In short, this is an A+ B-movie. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Frankly, Fuze is a tonne of fun. Featuring backstabbing and bombastic booms, the film wants to take the viewer on an explosive ride. Admittedly, some of the twists don’t always make sense and the script borrows from any number of other crime thrillers. Even so, there’s enough energy and intensity in the execution of the film that one can’t help but get swept up in the madness. This is a film that wants to play… and we’re invited to hop onboard.
In particular, Mackenzie knows how to build tension within an action scene. Without giving any spoilers, the film’s opening bomb scare (which, incidentally, takes up half the film) is an utter delight. Mackenzie knows exactly what reactions he wants to get from his audience and he’s able to lower the boom when the scene requires. Every moment of the incident is well-executed, breathing anxiety into the viewer as the scene unfolds. It’s calm, cool and collected but chaotic at the same time.
In addition, some of the credit for Fuze’s success must be given to the delightful performances from its cast. Featuring fun performances from Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Sam Worthington and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the team remains committed to making the most of their roles and they bring the focus required for us to take them seriously.
But, truly, the real star of this film is a deliciously malicious Theo James. As Karalis, James is both weasel and weapon. In some moments, he’s scrambling for his life. In others, he appears fully in control. It’s his strength of focus that makes us both love and hate watching him onscreen, for all the right reasons.
Now, to be fair, the rest of the film is much more erratic in its storytelling. As we delve more deeply into the underworld and what’s really going on, Fuze doesn’t quite have the same coherence in the second half as it does in the first. And that sense of inconsistency does hold the film back from being something truly special.
However, there’s no doubt that Fuze remains an enthusiastic thriller with some solid moments. James and Taylor-Johnson have some delightful chemistry. Worthington stomps around with brutal intent. Even office-bound Mbatha-Raw makes the most of the opportunities that she’s given. But most of all, this is a film that wants to make things go boom.
And when it does, the fun usually follows.
Fuze is available in theatres on Friday, April 24th, 2026.
