Mayday, set to premiere on Apple TV on Friday, September 4, brings together Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh in a buddy action-comedy that channels the spirit of 1980s films. The movie places Reynolds as a US Navy pilot and Branagh as an ex-KGB agent who must cooperate to escape Soviet Russia.
In contrast to the overtly anti-Russian sentiment prevalent in many films of that era, directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley adopt a more lighthearted approach to the Cold War. Their film offers a reflection on geopolitical tensions that is both amusing and action-packed, reminiscent of titles like Spies Like Us.
The story is set in 1987, with Reynolds portraying Lieutenant Troy Kelly. Troy, a pilot with a deadpan sense of humor and a distinct ego, finds himself going rogue to assist a fellow pilot. His perception of Russia is framed by American jingoism, stating, "You can't reform something that is fundamentally broken. It's not a society, it's a prison… silence is complicity."
Troy soon embarks on a covert mission to co-pilot a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird deep into Soviet territory to photograph missile silos. The operation quickly goes awry, resulting in a brief but intense aerial battle and the plane crashing in a Russian forest. Troy is injured and apprehended by a mysterious individual.
Upon waking, Troy finds himself in the care of Nikolai Ustinov, or "Nick," portrayed by Branagh. Nick, a former KGB agent with a fondness for American culture, including Top Gun, presents a unique contrast to Troy's character. Branagh, who has played Russian antagonists in recent films, brings a more heroic dimension to his role here, showcasing a subtly quirky appreciation for American "democracy, culture and food." His combat skills are demonstrated effectively in fight sequences that highlight his formidable nature.
The remainder of the film follows Troy and Nick as they journey across Russia, pursued by KGB official Alexander Volkov. While Volkov serves as an antagonist, the narrative emphasizes the dismantling of American exceptionalism. Through their encounters with common people, conversations with Nick's activist daughter Anna, and revelations about a government cover-up, Troy's prejudices begin to erode.
The film incorporates Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album as a recurring motif, enriching its thematic exploration of American identity and the shared experiences of the working class across borders. While the film may offer a somewhat optimistic conclusion, it ultimately aims to leave audiences with a sense of hope and understanding.