In David McKenzie’s relentless thriller Fuze, the tension rings out across central London when construction workers unearth a suspected WWII bomb, immediately leading to a large-scale evacuation. Major Will Tranter, portrayed with spirited charm by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, commands the bomb disposal operation as authorities race to prevent a disaster. Simultaneously, a brazen bank heist unfolds nearby, linking a South African diamond thief to the urgent military intervention, setting the stage for a connected and high-stakes drama centered on an Aaron Taylor-Johnson thriller.
Outstanding Cast and David McKenzie’s Commanding Direction Drive Fuze
Fuze places Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the role of Major Will Tranter, a military officer known for challenging protocol with a laid-back attitude, adding a notable flair even when defusing danger. He confidently shares drinks with his team ahead of dismantling the bomb, betting on their eventual success, underscoring his mix of bravado and calm under pressure. Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Zuzana, the determined police leader orchestrating the evacuation and securing the blast zone.
Under David McKenzie’s assured direction, the film evolves beyond a straightforward bomb threat, gradually revealing a sophisticated criminal conspiracy. The screenplay by Ben Hopkins introduces Theo James as Karalis, a quick-witted bank robber with a distinct South African accent who leads a group involved in a complicated heist. His presence injects a playful menace, using the bomb scare as a tactical distraction for the robbery unfolding just down the street.
Sam Worthington joins as Karalis’s seemingly loyal second-in-command, although the loyalty and motives surrounding the team’s interactions grow more complex as the story progresses. These parallel narratives—bomb disposal and armed robbery—interweave, presenting different facets of tension and distrust within both the military squad and the criminal crew.
Intertwining Bomb Threat and Bank Heist Create Uneasy Suspense
As the narrative unfolds, questions about the bomb’s origins and true purpose become central. Is it genuinely a leftover relic from the Blitz, or something more strategically placed? What exactly is Karalis after in the bank’s safe deposit box? Fuze sometimes steps into predictability when revealing these answers, and its plot complexities become somewhat tangled. Still, the film sustains excitement by gradually clarifying that the bomb is a calculated decoy within the heist plan, creating palpable suspense.
While the film’s initial focus on the bomb disposal team draws clear lines between law enforcers and criminals, those boundaries blur across the story’s arc. McKenzie’s direction embraces this ambiguity by allowing the characters’ motivations and allegiances to remain uncertain. The dynamic between Karalis and his crew, as well as their interactions with the military team, introduces continuous shifts in trust and power, preventing the story from settling into neat categories.
The Film’s Strengths and Limitations: Energy, Predictability, and Unconventional Finale
Though some aspects of the plot feel formulaic or convoluted, Fuze harnesses its tensions to maintain a forward momentum, fueled by paranoia and high stakes on both sides of the conflict. The military operation’s intensity contrasts with the nimble ruthlessness of the bank robbers, lending the film a layered texture as it moves toward its climax. However, once the heist narrative takes over, the initial bomb threat’s sharpness dims, and military team dynamics lose focus.
Despite these challenges, the film delivers a distinctive ending that avoids typical resolutions seen in similar thrillers, opting for an unusual finale that satisfies through its unpredictability and refusal to conform to genre expectations. For viewers seeking a taut, methodical Aaron Taylor-Johnson thriller with strong supporting performances and an assured directorial style, Fuze offers engaging if not groundbreaking entertainment.
Fuze premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, showcasing its blend of action, character conflict, and suspense to a discerning audience.
