The Negotiator

People sometimes find themselves in unfortunate situations with seemingly no way out. That's where Ash, played by Ahmed, steps in-as a mediator who ensures both sides can walk away clean, with no strings attached and no need to look over their shoulders. A clean break. Unsurprisingly, Ahmed is brilliant. With limited dialog in the first half of the film his body language and mannerisms allows his presence to be felt. Also, shoutout to the wardrobe department for making him a master of disguise. This film is really engaging, thrilling, and with well timed moments of comedy at times. Thought I felt the runtime was a bit long the story is compelling enough to make it worth the watch.

There is not one gratuitous or strained moment in this film. And while I did not know it , the director , David Mackenzie made 'Hell or High Water' . If you have seen that movie than you will know what a good director he is. I would compare it to the movie ' Michael Clayton ' it is the same sort of movie and is on the same level in terms of 'quality '. Riz Ahmed and Lily James deliver stellar performances and the screenplay is well thought out and executed. There is one detail that doesn't add up but it is so minor that it doesn't matter. Filmed in NYC which lends a authenticity / reality aspect to it. There is literally nothing out of place in the entire movie which makes it compelling and entertaining. Most movies , even good ones would not, IMO , measure up to this one and there is a killer twist at its conclusion. When the movie was over the people right next to me stood up and remarked how good it was and I did as well. That hasn't happened to me in years.

"Relay" succeeds in being different from other movies of its genre. It is not about the heist but about the morals and the loneliness of the "negotiator." Riz Ahmed captures that perfectly. I feel like he is always at his best when he conveys vulnerability. Much of this movie is quiet yet powerful: a lonely protector becoming emotionally attached to the one he is negotiating for. This all works great, and you are hooked-until the last 15 minutes, when the movie suddenly hits every cliché it had masterfully avoided before. I would still say it was worth my while, but it was just 15 minutes away from greatness.

What I value most in today's cinema are originality and grounded storytelling that avoids unnecessary excess. Relay delivers on both counts.

From the very beginning, the film establishes a simmering tension that kept me hooked, almost expecting an explosive climax. The third act does stumble slightly, with a few plot turns that feel overly coincidental or forced. Yet, the eventual reveal reframes those moments in a way that makes the payoff all the more shocking.

Riz Ahmed gives a restrained performance, perfectly suited to the character he portrays. The supporting cast does a decent job, but they don't leave the same lasting impression. What makes Relay stand out is its grounded approach and storytelling, helped by its well written screenplay.

However, while I thoroughly enjoyed Relay, I doubt the film will be spoken about much past this month. It's a well made and original piece that unfortunately does not reach the heights of long lasting inventiveness and impact.

If a suspense thriller is suspenseful and thrilling, it has succeeded at its job. And that's how I feel about Relay. It hooks you early with a cool premise and never lets go. The story is interesting and filled with intrigue.

I like that it doesn't explain everything. It allows the viewer to figure things out and put the pieces together. And it has a steady increase in intensity and good escalation to the climax. It does come to a fairly abrupt conclusion, but I still found it satisfying.

The entire cast gives good performances, with the standout being the lead, Riz Ahmed. I had a good time with this movie and was happy with its selection for this week's secret movie screening.

(1 viewing, early screening Mystery Movie Monday 8/11/2025)