The Wasteland Reviewer

Relay (2025) Written Review

What is the best way to be clandestine in an espionage scenario? There are plenty of horrible things occurring in the world and there are only a few people who are willing to attempt doing anything about it. These people take drastic measures to unearth evidence but sometimes they can get cold feet. With few options, these whistleblowers now decide they just want to make all of this “good away”. There just might be an option for them…and that option is through relay. A mysterious guardian angel type, this man speaks to relay set-ups for those with disabilities and he coordinates the safe return of documents and the protection of those who would be whistleblowers. But not every mission is going to go well…queue the events of Relay. 

How does Hell or High Water filmmaker David Mackenzie bring the twisted talent of Relay to life? From the opening shots, you can tell there is something dynamic going on. The camera moves smoothly, in precise ways that show off the visual details of the film. There are long shots that pull you into the action of the film. Cinematographer Giles Nuttgens (who worked on Hell or High Water as well) is one of the all-stars of the film. This opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the film for both the action and the presentation of the story. The action sequences are thrilling and engrossing. There are not many of them but there are a few strong moments that grab the audience. The film does have a methodical and precise approach to unraveling the story, which is positive for how it accentuates details in a visual way, but it does make some of the lesser moments in the film drag quite a bit. The middle section of the film does lose energy and takes the audience out of the film for a spell. This is one of the biggest drawbacks of the film. This is an almost two-hour film that could have been told in a tighter format. 

Does the story from Justin Piasecki’s screenplay deliver as well? There are some strong elements of the film that really soar but there are a few others that drag it down. The overall concept is quite interesting. The use of the relay communication system makes for some unique and compelling storytelling. The opening scene sets up this concept so well and makes the unique scenario of the main plot more interesting. Piasecki finds plenty of intriguing set-ups that lead to some good thrills throughout as well. The strongest anchoring element of the story is the backstory for our protagonist (the broker of this system). His backstory gives depth to his actions and delivers some of the most emotionally resonant scenes in the film. There is one scene at a bar that is heartbreaking to watch and fits so nicely into his character arc. The central story of a young female scientist requesting his help does have some twists and turns in it and Piasecki does a nice job of sprinkling some hints throughout the film. But the middle section of the film focuses on the dynamic between the broker and scientist, which really drags the film’s moment down. The film stuck the landing but there are some bumps along the way.

Does the cast do some wonders to bring more life out of this story? Riz Ahmed is a talented actor (who could have been an Oscar by now) and he delivers a strong and committed turn in this film. The first half of the film is basically free of dialogue for Ahmed which forces him to show off his physicality. There are some strong emotion beats that are as effective as they are thanks to the performance of Ahmed. Lily James is endearing and empathetic and will charm the audience into her plight. There are some interesting evolutions in her character later in the film but James struggles to make that turn feel authentic. Sam Worthington finds an effective role for himself in the head of security role that is driven by aggression and physicality. The rest of his squad are effective as well. Matthew Maher is a nice standout as one of Ahmed’s clients who gets some moments to shine as he challenges the morals of Ahmed’s Ash.

Is Relay a worthwhile thriller to get people into the theater? Mackenzie is a talented filmmaker, and he delivers a well-crafted flick with plenty to offer. The concept of the film is compelling and full of potential. There are some good twists and turns along the way as well. Without the slow and lethargic second act, this could have been a real top-notch thriller. With it, there is still plenty to love about the film, including that strong central turn from Ahmed.