No matter the genre, every cinephile has that one director they wish was playing on a bigger stage. For me, when it comes to thrillers, that director is David Mackenzie. His latest film, Fuze, arrives courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Saban Films—and it wastes no time making its intentions clear.
Set in present-day London, Fuze starts with a discovery that immediately raises the stakes: an unexploded World War II bomb buried beneath a construction site. Within minutes, the surrounding area is evacuated, turning a busy section of the city into a tense, hollowed-out zone. On the ground, Major Will Tranter—played with controlled intensity by Aaron Taylor-Johnson—leads the bomb disposal team. Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Zuzana, portrayed by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, monitors every movement, focused on keeping civilians out of harm’s way.
For a while, you think you’re settling into a straight-up ticking-clock thriller. You’re not. Because while authorities are focused on the bomb, a smaller, more calculated operation is unfolding beneath their noses. A crew led by Theo James’s Karalis remains inside the evacuation zone, using the chaos as cover to break into an underground bank vault. It’s a sharp pivot that gives Fuze its edge, blending high-stakes disaster tension with a slick heist setup. There’s even a quiet question hanging over everything—was the bomb just bad luck, or part of something bigger?
Mackenzie directs with urgency, keeping scenes tight and momentum steady. There’s no wasted time here. The film moves with purpose, and the cast keeps pace. Sam Worthington adds grit to the ensemble, while the supporting players help maintain a sense of unpredictability as alliances shift and loyalties are tested.
Like many action films, the script by Ben Hopkins doesn’t always withstand close examination. As the plot twists accumulate, the film begins to stretch credibility. Some decisions raise eyebrows, and not every plot twist feels justified. However, “Fuze” knows what it is aiming for. It’s not aiming for realism; instead, it’s focused on engaging the audience, and for the most part, it succeeds.
What works is the film’s commitment to momentum. Even when the logic wobbles, the pacing keeps you locked in. The tension is real, the premise is strong, and the execution leans into entertainment over explanation. While it might not stand up to meticulous scrutiny under a microscope, this film isn’t designed for such scrutiny.
Instead, “Fuze” is intended for the collective energy of a lively audience, showcased on a grand screen, and tailored for an entertaining experience that brings joy and excitement to all who watch.
Final Grade: B+
Roadside Attractions and Saban Films will release FUZE in theaters on April 24, 2026
