Mayday: A Cold War Comedy That Feels Like a Forgotten Classic

Why 'Mayday' Is the Kind of Film We Need More Of

When I first heard about Mayday, my immediate reaction was, 'Oh no, another Ryan Reynolds action comedy.' But here's the thing: this isn't your average blockbuster. It's a cleverly constructed, well-acted buddy picture that would have been a box office hit in 2016, or even earlier. Yet, it's currently streaming on Apple TV—and I'm not sure if that's a blessing or a curse.

'Mayday' is doing numbers on Apple TV, but really belongs on a big screen.

Director John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein have crafted something charming and smart—something that feels both nostalgic and fresh. And for a film so clearly inspired by 1980s cinema (think Top Gun, but with more Cold War intrigue), it's remarkable how well it holds up.

What Makes This Film Special?

The premise is simple, yet effective: Ryan Reynolds plays Troy Kelly, a Navy pilot who gets shot down over Russia during the final days of the Cold War. He's rescued by Kenneth Branagh's character, Nikolai Ustinov, a former KGB operative with a surprising soft spot for American culture (complete with a Top Gun poster in his cabin). The setup is classic—two men from opposing sides who become unlikely allies—but it's executed with such wit and warmth that you forget the clichés.

What elevates this film beyond typical action fare is its attention to detail. The aerial sequences, for instance, are breathtaking. You can tell they didn't just rely on CGI here. There's a real sense of motion, a real feeling of weight in the aircraft, especially during those dogfights. I found myself holding my breath every time Reynolds took the controls. It's not just eye candy—these scenes actually serve the story and deepen our understanding of both characters.

The Stars: Reynolds and Branagh Are on Fire

Ryan Reynolds is in top form, but not the Deadpool version we're used to. Here, he's a hero with heart, someone who puts his fellow pilots first. It's refreshing to see him play a character without the snarky quips that make him so endearing in other roles. His performance feels grounded and sincere—like a real-life version of the man who flew into battle to save others.

As for Branagh, he brings his own flair to the role, managing to keep things grounded even when the story takes a wild turn. His portrayal of a former spy who's lost his way but still carries a sense of honor is both nuanced and deeply human. And yes, I'll admit it—he's quite funny in a dry, British way.

The supporting cast also deserves credit. Maria Bakalova, as the daughter of the ex-KGB agent, provides a surprising amount of charm in her brief screen time. And Marcín Dorociński, who plays the relentless KGB agent Alexander Volkov, is just evil enough to keep you on edge without becoming cartoonish.

What's Missing From This Film?

If I had one complaint about Mayday, it would be that it occasionally leans too heavily into its retro aesthetic. While the film is clearly paying homage to 1980s movies, sometimes those references land a bit too hard—like when the soundtrack suddenly shifts to a Bruce Springsteen classic mid-scene.

But honestly? That's not a flaw—it's part of the charm. This is a movie that wants to remind us what fun films can be. It doesn't take itself too seriously, which is exactly why it succeeds where so many modern blockbusters fall flat.

The Real Takeaway

Mayday may not change the world of cinema, but it's a reminder that we still crave stories with heart. In an age where AI and streaming algorithms dominate the conversation, this is one film that proves storytelling still matters. It's clever, heartfelt, and full of surprises—especially in its quieter moments.

I'd love to see it on a big screen, but until then, I'm perfectly happy watching it again with a bowl of popcorn. Because if there's one thing Mayday teaches us, it's that sometimes the best adventures are those you never saw coming.

• Streaming platform: Apple TV
• Director: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
• Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Branagh, Maria Bakalova
• Genre: Action Comedy