Premiering September 4, 2026, on Apple TV, Mayday is a genre-bending, retro action-adventure directed and written by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein. The film stars Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh and is set in 1987 at the height of the Cold War, a period defined by heavy espionage and deep national rivalries. The story centers on Lieutenant Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Reynolds), a hotshot U.S. Navy pilot.
When a top-secret operation goes sideways, Troy ends up stranded deep in Russian territory. He is discovered by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent with an unexpected soft spot for American culture. Forced together, the pair form an unlikely alliance to navigate Troy’s escape, giving rise to an unexpected bond.
Mayday is Flipping 1980s Tropes
While streaming films starring Ryan Reynolds can occasionally lean into over-the-top goofiness, Mayday delivers a surprisingly engaging narrative. Rather than repeating the classic 1980s film trope of treating all Russians as default villains, the movie turns the dynamic on its head. It offers genuine introspection into both nations and the people living in them, bringing meaningful thematic weight alongside its high-octane spectacle.
Good Performances and Action
The chemistry between the leads carries the film. While Reynolds relies slightly too much on his signature smart-ass banter at times, the humor largely works. Branagh gives a surprisingly grounded performance with real emotional depth, keeping viewers invested in his character despite an inconsistent Russian accent.
The action set pieces feature inventive camera angles and polished cinematography. Modernized stunt work seamlessly blends the actors with their doubles, updating classic 1980s action tropes for modern audiences. The movie strikes a smooth balance with its violence, delivering plenty of energetic fights without excessive gore. While it requires standard suspension of disbelief, the narrative holds together well.
Mayday is not a perfect film, but it accomplishes precisely what a fun, retro action-adventure needs to do: it provides genuine heart, solid character depth, and a thrilling ride. While it may not demand a theatrical screen, it stands out as a strong addition to the Apple TV catalog.
Final Grade: B+. “Mayday” will premiere on Apple TV on September 4, 2026.
