Relay (2024)

Clever & Riveting Thriller - Relay review by GI

This is a smartly scripted conspiracy thriller with a neat Hitchcock style set piece and a plot twist I did not see coming! It has the look and feel of a 70s thriller. Riz Ahmed plays Ash, a recovering alcoholic, who specialises in an illegal and covert service where he arranges for clients who have stolen documents that incriminate their employers in some corrupt way or other but who now fear the repercussions and want to return them without fear of reprisals. He moves in the shadows communicating through a messaging relay service and avoiding personal contact. He is hired by Sarah (Lily James), a scientist who has stolen a file from her company that shows they were producing a dangerous foodstuff but who now wants to stop the harassment she is facing. With strict rules to protect himself Ash finds himself up against a ruthless agent (Sam Worthington) and gradually developing feelings for Sarah he lets his guard down with dire consequences. There's a great scene at a music concert that builds tension and the scenes in the city are well orchestrated as a cat and mouse scenario is played out. A good, solid and entertaining thriller well worth checking out.