Joey Magidson
For most of the running time of Relay, we’re watching a real throwback sort of film. The paranoid thriller of the 1970s was of a specific time period, one that fit it perfectly, but it also just makes for an incredibly engaging experience when done well. This movie is very much indebted to that, albeit with modern technology. Then, the third act takes things one twist too far. However, that’s just what makes the flick good instead of great. As one of the more polished works at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, it easily could make a mark in theaters later on this summer.
Relay has a twist or two too many, which is a shame, especially since you can see one coming a mile away. At the same time, all it does is take a strong work down a peg. What’s happening in that lesser third act is still very solid. It’s just slightly more rickety than what’s come before. In that regard, the film is still succeeding, even when it’s losing some of its ample goodwill.
Tom (Riz Ahmed) is a unique middleman. He specializes in brokering very lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and whistleblowers. Former employees, these individuals threaten the ruin of these companies and their rich executives. For Tom, he gets money and safety for the little guy, keeping the giant corporations in check, while providing them with certainty. Through rigid rules and meticulous planning, he’s the best in the business, keeping his identity a secret throughout. When Sarah (Lily James) contacts him as a potential new client, it should be business as usual. Instead, it’s anything but.
As Tom navigates Sarah through the process, using a relay service to hide his voice, it becomes clear that she’s in more danger than usual. A group from the corporation, led by Dawson (Sam Worthington), is keeping tabs on Sarah. So, Tom begins to take a bigger interest in her, especially as they begin to bond and grow closer. Before long, he’s breaking his own rules to keep her safe, with risky consequences.
Riz Ahmed spends a lot of this film silent, so it’s a credit to his eyes and overall presence that the performance feels so three dimensional. Plus, he does an excellent job of showing how good Tom is at this. He does his job well, coming off as much like a spy as a broker. Lily James is good here as well, managing to develop chemistry with Ahmed. They’re good together, even though it’s simply over the phone. As for Sam Worthington, he’s imposing and threatening, but also pretty fun to watch work as well. Supporting players include Eisa Davis, Willa Fitzgerald, Matthew Maher, Reed Northrup, and more.
Director David Mackenzie makes the screenplay by Justin Piasecki feel far more cinematic than it might otherwise be. Save for the extra twist towards the end, we’re mostly watching Ahmed’s Tom be an expert and one step ahead of the bad guys. With precision behind the camera, Mackenzie keeps you engaged the whole time.
Relay is just shy of a great movie, but it’s still a pretty good one. Wrapping up my Tribeca coverage for 2025, this is a throwback flick that deserves to find an audience. With a late August release date planned, there won’t be too long of a wait for all of you to check it out. I hope you do, too, as it’s well worth seeing.
SCORE: ★★★
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