Director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) returns with Fuze, a high-concept thriller that takes the metaphor of a “ticking time bomb” and makes it literal — before turning it into something else entirely. Premiering at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, the film starts with white-knuckle suspense but struggles to sustain its momentum once the bomb plot gives way to a heist narrative.
A Bomb Specialist Under Pressure
Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Will Tranter, a British Army major and explosives expert summoned to a London construction site where a buried World War II bomb has been unearthed. Charismatic and commanding, Will quickly assumes control, evacuating the area, barking orders to his squad, and even ordering pizzas in anticipation of success. But his confidence veers into arrogance — he dismisses a subordinate’s warning that the bomb might not be a relic at all, but something far more modern.
The opening act is Fuze at its best: tense, technically detailed, and tightly shot. Mackenzie and cinematographer Ula Pontikos transform a muddy construction site into a stage for edge-of-your-seat suspense.
A Twist Into Heist Territory
Just as the pressure peaks, the bomb detonates earlier than expected — revealing the real plot: it was a decoy planted by thieves to clear the area for a bank robbery. From there, the film pivots into a police investigation, led by Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Chief Superintendent Zuzana, unraveling what could be the heist of the century.
The shift is clever on paper, but it robs the movie of its strongest tension. While Taylor-Johnson lends depth to Will’s troubled persona, the story never fully regains the adrenaline rush of its bomb-defusing premise.
Third-Act Stumbles
The final act introduces flashbacks that muddy the narrative and slow momentum. While well-shot, they derail pacing and confuse audience allegiance, leading to an abrupt ending that undercuts emotional payoff. The structure feels experimental but unsatisfying, leaving the impression that the film peaked too early.
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Verdict
Fuze is stylish, fun, and inventive, with a charismatic turn from Taylor-Johnson and some gripping early set pieces. But it can’t quite live up to its own explosive start. For fans of Mackenzie’s work or anyone craving a twisty thriller, it’s still a worthy watch — just don’t expect it to stick the landing.
Grade: B-
Fuze premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently seeking U.S. distribution.
