Relay

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.

"Relay" succeeds in being different from other movies of its genre. It is not about the heist but about the morals and the loneliness of the "negotiator." Riz Ahmed captures that perfectly. I feel like he is always at his best when he conveys vulnerability. Much of this movie is quiet yet powerful: a lonely protector becoming emotionally attached to the one he is negotiating for. This all works great, and you are hooked-until the last 15 minutes, when the movie suddenly hits every cliché it had masterfully avoided before. I would still say it was worth my while, but it was just 15 minutes away from greatness.

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.

Relay aims to channel the paranoia and sharpness of 70s and 80s thrillers, but ultimately slips into routine action clichés. Its opening rhythm and Riz Ahmed's nuanced performance are strong points, while the nostalgic use of outdated technology adds charm. However, the narrative falters in the second half, shifting from carefully built suspense to rushed, implausible sequences, and the overly crisp visuals drain the film of atmosphere. The result is a middling work with promising ideas but inconsistent execution.

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.