Relay

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.

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.

I saw Relay early due to Screen Unseen.

Relay is an absolute standout - a gripping, high-stakes thriller that had me hooked from the opening scene to the final moments. The story follows Lilly, a determined protagonist caught in the crosshairs of a corrupt corporate scandal, as she navigates tense dealings with the enigmatic broker Riz. Every interaction crackles with tension, and the film masterfully delivers sharp twists and unexpected turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Smart, suspenseful, and refreshingly unpredictable, Relay is a must-watch.

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.

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.