Movie Review: Relay

by

A skillfully crafted, subtly intelligent, fashionable, suspenseful, and contemplative crime drama featuring an impressive ensemble of actors.

In a fresh take on crime thrillers, “Relay” stars Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and Sam Worthington. The plot revolves around a contemporary Robin Hood-like character who operates as a problem solver, aiding people in precarious situations, specifically, whistleblowers seeking protection or a means to secure their safety. For each task completed, this problem solver receives payment that can be retrieved from the antagonists.

This outside figure functions as an intermediary, shielding his sensitive clients by assuming the role of keeper for potentially incriminating information. In the movie, a woman who’s allegedly involved in a data breach at a large pharmaceutical corporation becomes his latest client, compelling him to safeguard and shelter her from a group of potential attackers.

In a distinctive twist, this sharp, stylish, and subtly understated thriller stands out for its innovative approach. Instead of modern communication methods, it employs vintage technology to interact with various parties discreetly. This unassuming character, often referred to as the fixer, maintains his privacy by utilizing a relay calling service, a system commonly used by individuals with disabilities to communicate through an intermediary. Unlike traditional conversations that leave a trail, this method allows him to avoid being traced or infiltrated. As a result, he remains secure from both his clients and those he’s helping to outmaneuver.

Film director David Mackenzie, famous for the movie “Hell or High Water”, adds a stylish visual touch that harmonizes with the script’s understated tension. Screenwriter Justin Piasecki weaves a storyline that is thought-provoking yet deeply impactful. The script stands out due to its subtlety, opting for minimal explanation and instead revealing characters through their actions and measured dialogue. This creates a strong feeling of discomfort and curiosity.

The film’s sparse script relies heavily on the use of this relay service, creating an unusual cat-and-mouse game. This thriller could be likened to
You’ve Got Mail

, in the way two strangers forge a bond and communicate regularly through an anonymous message

“Every breath you take…”

Additionally, elements reminiscent of the film “Rear Window” are present, as the fixer adopts a perspective that is somewhat voyeuristic, resembling a persistent observer. Maintaining a distance, he shows an intense concern for safeguarding his client, which heightens the overall sense of closeness. This protective dynamic imbues the thriller with a surprising romantic undertone amidst the growing suspense, adding an intriguing layer of complexity to the narrative.

Coordinating drop-offs, communication turns into an ongoing matter of ensuring security, as the broker outsmarts his adversaries in a way reminiscent of a chess game, each strategic move gracefully executed. The film is delightful yet subtle to watch, as the broker consistently stays one step ahead. In instances where things go wrong, the mood and tension ramp up.

In the movie, a recurring motif of isolation is present, with the main characters often kept apart and communicating indirectly, having limited direct conversations. This isolation gives the film an intriguing tone as the group of hired gunmen delve deeper into their mission, gathering clues and getting closer to locating their target. The film’s diverse soundtrack and the varying voices heard through the relay service prevent the story from feeling monotonous or mechanical, although it may feel somewhat lacking that none of the intermediaries seem to notice the unusual nature of the calls.

As a movie enthusiast, I can say that “Relay” is a meticulously woven tale, despite its simplicity, that cleverly unfolds as a thought-provoking and predominantly intellectual romance. The third act, which might spark debate among viewers, is deserved and genuinely shocking, with unexpected twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat. This film is a masterfully crafted thriller that subtly delivers its action, plot, and inner workings, never resorting to obvious or heavy-handed storytelling. There’s an abundance of appreciation to be found in this refined film, which strives to offer something original and captivating.

The casting is impressively crafted, with Lily James mirroring her previous role in “Yesterday” and Riz Ahmed assuming the lead while drawing comparisons to “Sound of Metal.” Sam Worthington delivers a stellar performance, striking a balance between his villainous and leadership roles within the surveillance team, acting as a relatable conduit for the audience.

In essence, the film titled “Relay” presents a deliberate blend of introspective, suspenseful, and thought-provoking elements, unfolding as a gripping thriller. The intricate, labyrinthine plot structure maintains an engaging distance, allowing us to gradually dive into a perilous new mission without oversimplifying. Similar to the protagonist’s journey, we are lured and captivated by its impressive narrative agility and smooth visuals, consistently playing catch-up with the antagonists. This tale of a vigilante middleman serves up an engaging, frequently gripping chase narrative where secrecy is paramount and informants are protected.

The bottom line: Elegant

Read More

2025-08-22 09:43