Mayday (2026) Review: Cold War Chaos With Reynolds and Branagh

This Mayday review starts with a simple promise: a Cold War action-comedy that cares more about fun than realism. Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh headline, and directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein keep the pace brisk. It is predictable, but often a good time.

Mayday Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Mayday plot is set in 1987, at the height of the Cold War. A US Navy pilot, played by Ryan Reynolds, flies a secret reconnaissance mission over Soviet territory. It goes badly wrong, and he ends up stranded deep inside hostile land.

To avoid capture, he has to team up with an eccentric former KGB agent. That odd-couple setup drives the film, and it is the main hook of this action and adventure outing. Sources disagree on the pilot's surname, so we will simply call him the pilot here.

The film arrived on Apple TV, and its release date is listed as 4 September 2026. TMDB gives 3 September for the US. No US theatrical release was found.

What Works in Mayday

The biggest strength is the bromance. Critics have singled out the buddy chemistry, with The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw calling the film a goofy but entertaining action-comedy set in the cold war 80s. He gave it three out of five stars.

The direction is also fluid. Brian Tallerico of rogerebert.com gave it three out of four stars and credited the directing pair for making it mostly work. That sense of momentum keeps the film moving when the script is on familiar ground.

The 1980s setting adds flavour. It gives the film a playful, throwback tone, in line with the title's soundtrack credit to "Jump".

Mayday Cast and Performances

The Mayday cast is led by a pair of old pros. Here is who plays whom:

• Ryan Reynolds as Lieutenant Troy "Assassin" Kelly

• Kenneth Branagh as Nikolai Ustinov

• Marcin Dorociński as Alexander Volkov

• Maria Bakalova as Anna Ustinov

• David Morse as Harold Kelly

• Clark Johnson as CDR Keith Hardwick

Reynolds does what he does best, with quick wit and easy charm. Branagh is the real surprise. Tallerico called his performance truly entertaining, and the film clearly relies on him.

The supporting players round out the world, though the focus stays tightly on the central partnership.

Where Mayday Stumbles

The story is predictable. One reviewer called the film unapologetically formulaic, and you will likely guess the shape of the journey early on.

Some emotional moments also feel underdeveloped. The film tries to add heart, but it does not always give those beats room to land.

If you want a gritty, realistic Cold War thriller, this is not it. The tone leans comic, and the stakes rarely feel heavy. That is a choice, but it will not suit everyone.

Is Mayday Worth Watching?

Yes, Mayday is worth watching if you want a light, funny and fast action-comedy. It does not reinvent the genre, but it delivers solid entertainment and two enjoyable leads.

Critics have been mostly positive. Filmaffinity users give it 6.1, which fits a crowd-pleaser that is more fun than profound. At around 110 minutes, it moves quickly and does not overstay its welcome.

If you like comedy with your action, you will probably have a good time. For another recent action pick, see our Heart of the Beast review. You can also check the film's details on IMDb.

Who Will Enjoy Mayday

• Fans of Ryan Reynolds' sarcastic, charming screen persona.

• Viewers who like odd-couple buddy stories with a Cold War backdrop.

• Anyone after an easy, PG-13 night in with plenty of action and jokes.