David Mackenzie’s heist thriller Fuze has claimed the number one spot on HBO Max’s film charts in Turkey as of October 17, 2026, following its addition to the platform on October 15. The film, which stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Theo James, centers on a high-stakes bank robbery executed under the cover of a bomb disposal evacuation in central London.

The story begins when a construction crew unearths an unexploded World War II bomb in the heart of the city. As the ticking device triggers a massive security cordon, police chief Zuzana (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) evacuates thousands to Hyde Park. While bomb disposal expert Major Will Tranter (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) enters the zone to defuse the threat, a team of thieves led by Karalis (Theo James) and a mysterious figure known as X (Sam Worthington) use the blackout to drill into a bank vault. 7, 9

What are the critical reviews for Fuze saying?

Critical reception for Fuze has been split into two distinct camps since its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. Amy Nicholson of the Los Angeles Times praised the film as a fast and clever "throwback thriller," while Gayle Sequeira of Sight and Sound highlighted the effective parallel editing between the ticking bomb and the vault heist. However, other critics have been less impressed; Benjamin Lee of The Guardian described the film’s visual style as flat and television-like, and Tim Grierson of Screen Daily argued that the characters are too thin to make the plot's twists truly impactful. 6, 8, 9, 11

A still from the film Fuze: Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a camouflage uniform and beret stands in a construction site amidst rubble
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Major Will Tranter at the site of the unexploded bomb. Image: Anton / Sigma Films.

How has Fuze performed with global audiences?

Audience data for Fuze reflects a moderate but consistent interest, with the film currently holding a 6.3/10 rating on IMDb based on approximately 20,000 votes as of October 21, 2026. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film maintains a 72% critical approval rating from 112 reviews, while the verified audience score stands at 78%. Despite its success on streaming platforms, the film had a limited theatrical impact earlier in the year, notably selling only 4,840 tickets during its May 2026 release in Turkey. 3, 15, 16

Is the plot of Fuze realistic?

The realism of Fuze is a point of contention among reviewers, as some appreciate the procedural accuracy while others find the script lacking. Critic Nusret Şen noted that the bomb disposal and police protocols feel authentic, but found the late-film plot twists to be absurd. Variety’s Peter Debruge went further, suggesting that the logic gaps in the script are larger than the crater the bomb would leave behind. Additionally, some international viewers have criticized a brief segment set in Istanbul for its use of heavy yellow filters, which they argue contributes to an orientalist portrayal of the city. 5, 13, 14

A still from the film Fuze: a man in orange overalls and a helmet holds a cutting torch in a dark basement
The heist crew attempts to breach the vault wall in a darkened basement after the power is cut. Image: Anton / Sigma Films.

Who should watch David Mackenzie's Fuze?

Fuze is recommended for fans of David Mackenzie’s previous work, such as Hell or High Water, and those who enjoy fast-paced heist movies that clock in under 100 minutes. The film serves as a notable screen test for Aaron Taylor-Johnson, whose performance has sparked further discussion regarding his potential as the next James Bond. However, viewers seeking deep character development or a airtight narrative may find the second half disappointing, as the film prioritizes momentum over substance. 5, 12, 13

Notes and Sources

  1. FlixPatrol, HBO Max Top 10, October 21, 2026.
  2. Beyazperde, "October on HBO Max," October 2026.
  3. The Numbers, Fuze (2026) Technical Specifications.
  4. Box Office Türkiye, Fünye release data, May 2026.
  5. Peter Debruge, Variety, September 6, 2025.
  6. Benjamin Lee, The Guardian, September 6, 2025.
  7. Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian, April 1, 2026.
  8. Gayle Sequeira, Sight and Sound (BFI), March 30, 2026.
  9. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, April 23, 2026.
  10. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, April 21, 2026.
  11. Tim Grierson, Screen Daily, September 6, 2025.
  12. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, April 23, 2026.
  13. Onur Kırşavoğlu, Beyazperde Review, 2026.
  14. Nusret Şen, OrtaKoltuk Review, May 7, 2026.
  15. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic scores, October 21, 2026.
  16. IMDb Ratings and Demographics, October 21, 2026.
  17. Letterboxd User Data, October 21, 2026.