A taut, cleverly constructed surveillance thriller arrives in cinemas this week, anchored by a standout performance from Riz Ahmed. Directed by David Mackenzie, the film feels refreshingly grounded, trading digital spectacle for a gritty, analogue world of trains and a unique communication system.
Ahmed portrays a solitary Muslim man, shaped by a lifetime of scrutiny in post-9/11 America. His personal struggles have led him to operate a clandestine, high-stakes service for corporate whistleblowers who have lost their nerve. For a substantial fee, he arranges the anonymous return of stolen evidence to their companies, while secretly retaining copies for leverage. His operation hinges on a “relay” telephone service—a system designed for the deaf and speech-impaired that uses operators to read typed messages, creating a perfectly untraceable communications network.
The plot is set in motion when a woman named Sarah, played by Lily James, contacts him. Fearing reprisal, she wishes to return a document she once intended to use to expose her employer. The fixer agrees to assist but makes the dangerous mistake of forming a personal connection with her, violating his own strict protocols. Their situation grows increasingly perilous with the arrival of a menacing surveillance agent, portrayed by Sam Worthington, who is determined to silence Sarah permanently.
The narrative builds with stylishly executed tension, featuring several brilliantly orchestrated sequences set against an urban backdrop. A particularly gripping scene unfolds at a classical music concert, a masterful set piece that heightens the suspense. The film is a sharp, character-driven thriller that proves compellingly effective. Relay opens in cinemas on 31 October.
