Review of ‘Relay’: Riz Ahmed shines in a tense, ethical thriller

The film ‘Relay,’ directed by David Mackenzie and starring Riz Ahmed, presents a sleek and cunning thriller set in New York. Ahmed plays Ash, a secretive fixer who helps vulnerable clients navigate dangerous, morally ambiguous situations involving powerful adversaries. The movie unfolds gradually, focusing on Ash’s vigilance and the suspense of shadowy dealings, with a strong atmosphere of paranoia and tension. His relationship with a client, Sarah (played by Lily James), who possesses incriminating documents, triggers a high-stakes conflict involving ruthless operatives. The film balances a methodical reveal of clues and cryptic interactions, showcasing Ahmed’s ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue. The direction and pacing build an intimate, tense environment, culminating in an action-driven climax revealing new aspects of Ash’s character. While some character humanizing elements lessen his mystique, the movie effectively explores themes of secrecy, trust, and survival in a high-stakes world. Supporting performances, including Sam Worthington as a volatile antagonist, add depth to the thriller. The film runs 1 hour and 52 minutes and is available in theaters.