L'intermédiaire

This move really had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. It had a 'what is going on here' vibe, but I wasn't confused or bored, I just really wanted to know the answer. The cat and mouse elements are really incredible and it has a great twist toward the end that leaves you rethinking the actions of a main character through out. Definitely worth your time.

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.

Bought a ticket for a mystery movie and it ended up being Relay. After a long day at work I just wanted to relax and let my mind go. This movie was perfect. I really enjoyed it. It had suspense, some action, romance and some slow bits. No one walked out of the movie so it seems everyone else enjoyed it as well.

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)