Relay

By Ian Chandler - August 28, 2025

Relay is a paranoia thriller that quietly released last week, and I'd argue it's one of the better offerings in theaters currently. With a noticeably lower budget than other summer movies, the film relies heavily on its script to do the heavy lifting. The concept is interesting, and for much of its runtime, it delivers engaging tension. It also features two talented actors, Riz Ahmed and Lily James, whose performances elevate the screenplay, resulting in a gripping story. But, even with a lot of promise and mostly good execution, Relay eventually runs out of street-smarts, losing some of the momentum and intrigue that make its first two acts so compelling. It is a strong effort, but one that leaves you wishing for a tighter finale.

One of Relay's biggest strengths is its pacing. It isn't too quick where plot elements are lost, nor is it moving at a glacier's pace, wasting time on overview shots. It is a dialogue-heavy film that, like any good thriller, expects the audience to follow along instead of giving them long, forced exposition dumps. The tension gradually rises as the film progresses and it's a strange case where you know less about Relay's protagonists than its antagonists. There are some spots where characters are a bit too quiet, making potentially important dialogue hard to pick up, but it's so sparse that it doesn't interfere with the enjoyment. There are also a handful of decisions made in the movie that made me think, "Huh, that was pretty clever!" It felt like, up to a point, a worthy spiritual successor to the thriving paranoia thrillers from the '70s.

The first 85 minutes expertly relays solid, attention-grabbing suspense. Unfortunately, the last 25 minutes are undoubtedly mistranslated. It introduces a plot point that is plainly thoughtless and devolves into an unexciting action sequence. Characters who were usually careful and meticulous make multiple, easily avoidable blunders. It feels disconnected from the first two acts. Even worse is that the situations are resolved with multiple plot conveniences. It's a brainless exercise that is a stark contrast to the cunning mannerisms we got earlier in the film. Additionally, it's invalidating to see characters go through routine gunplay instead of hiding and entering a battle of wits, something that both worked and was the selling point of this movie. Was it tacked on solely to make an energetic trailer? Whatever the reason, the film should have just hung up at the 85-minute mark.

So, Relay remains to be an intriguing watch with two notable performances and a clear passion for the suspenseful pictures that came before. I kind of wish they replicated the color grading of a '70s film to make it both more unique and match its retro structure. Though its final moments do the film no good, it isn't damaging enough to ruin the movie. Given the endless supply of numbing blockbusters with no original ideas, Relay shines as one of those productions that tried (and mostly succeeded) to incorporate a neat concept into a breezy, entertaining movie. Despite its glaring flaws, it's still a cut above most of what's in theaters right now.

Grade: 71/100.

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.

Director David Mackenzie wasn't on my radar until 2016's HELL OR HIGH WATER, which I highly recommend. He has now made a paranoid thriller called RELAY. Originally called THE BROKER, it was featured on the 2019 "Black-List" of most-liked unproduced screenplays. It tells the story of whistleblower Sarah Grant (Lilly James) who changes her mind about going public with very sensitive and damning documents from a big bioengineering company. She is recommended to call an anonymous broker to help give back the documents while keeping herself safe. The broker, played by Riz Ahmed, keeps his anonymity by using a telecommunications device for the deaf, connected to the Tri-State Relay Service. It's a pretty cool concept that uses a totally real service in such a creative way. This movie feels bigger than it actually is. There was almost no marketing for it, so almost nobody is actually watching it. I'm a huge fan of Riz Ahmed. Ever since he broke out in the series THE NIGHT OF, he's been doing great things. This is the second movie with him that represents the deaf community, the other being the wonderful SOUND OF METAL. As I've been thinking more about this movie's ending though, without giving anything away, I think it could've been a little smoother, especially in today's society. I also think a little more mystery was needed in certain aspects. Riz's palpable quiet intensity and the nice tension-building are what ultimately drew me into this. I enjoyed my time with RELAY, and I wish it had a wider release.

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)

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.