Relay

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)

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 (2025) is an action thriller movie directed by David Mackenzie starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington and thr movie was awesome.

Positives for Relay (2025): This is one of those movies that I went into it knowing nothing and that is the best thing about movies like this. The premise and execution feels like a mobie that would be made during the old days of Hollywood and I mean that in a good way. The writing in this movie is so smart and clever with everything happening and you feel the sense of urgency and tension with every scene that plays out. The performances from Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington are amazing and you can tell that they are committed to these roles. There is some good action sequences here, but the movie is focused on the thriller aspect and that was the best thing this movie could've done. And finally, I love the way how this movie wraps up the story for the characters and it comes to a satisfying conclusion.

Negatives for Relay (2025): The pacing of the movie is off as there are scenes that play out much longer than they should be.

Overall, Relay (2025) was one of the most intense and interesting movies I've watched in 2025 so far and I highly recommend that you make it a priority to watch this movie when you have the chance.