Relay
A Predictable Thriller Lacking any Action
David Mackenzie’s new thriller starring Riz Ahmed offers a fresh take on an espionage suspense film—but Relay doesn’t take full advantage of its unique aspects. Ahmed’s Ash prefers old-school technology in his role as a mediator who facilitates deals between potential whistleblowers and their former employers. His low-tech weapon of choice is the Tri-State Area Relay Service, typically used by the deaf community to communicate via phone with hearing individuals, but also a service that guarantees complete anonymity.
Ash’s current client is Sarah (Lily James), a former scientist at an agricultural company who uncovers that their latest technology has adverse effects on humans. As her company plans to launch the product, Sarah intends to become a whistleblower. However, upon realizing the dangers she faces, she decides to return evidence of the company’s wrongdoing to get herself out of danger. The film becomes not a plan to unearth the seedy underbelly of the corporate world, but instead simply a mission to secure a large payout for Sarah to keep quiet.
Relay isn’t your typical spy thriller; it features hardly any fight scenes. Instead, Ash and the corporate security team (headed by Sam Worthington) hired by Sarah’s former company engage in a game of cat and mouse that depends more on wit and smarts than brute force. It tries, and sometimes succeeds, in creating Hitchcockian suspense and ingenuity, but overall, the film falls short of the cleverness needed to maintain a brisk pace.
Mackenzie and writer Justin Piasecki become too caught up in a romance subplot (which only makes the film feel cheesy and Ash unprofessional,) and their attempt at character growth through alcoholism. Still, Ahmed and James shine in their roles, commanding their solo scenes and conveying their characters’ thoughts and emotions, often with minimal dialogue. Their performances keep viewers engaged and eager for more.
If you’re wanting a unique spin on an espionage thriller, Relay isn’t a bad choice—just don’t expect it to captivate you or deliver mind-blowing twists.
