David Mackenzie’s latest release, Relay, is a refreshing take on the whistleblower drama subgenre. The film follows Hoffman (Riz Ahmed), a man who returns incriminating evidence to his former employer after realizing that they are involved in some shady dealings. What makes this story unique is that Ash (also played by Ahmed) works for whistleblowers who help them return their documents, and he’s the guardian angel for these employees.
Relay pays homage to 1970s filmmaking, particularly the clever low-budget neo-noirs of the 1990s. The film features a gripping game of cat and mouse between Ash and a team of tech-savvy heavies, led by Sam Worthington. With its ingenious techniques based on common sense rather than high-tech gadgets, this thrilling plot keeps viewers on the edge.
A standout performance from Riz Ahmed is undeniable, and he brings his calm, quiet cool to the film’s USP. The supporting cast, including Lily James and Willa Fitzgerald, also deliver impressive performances that bring depth to the story. With its low-key tone and unexpected twists, Relay is a gripping neo-noir thriller that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/08/relay-review-riz-ahmed-david-mackenzie-whistleblower-thriller-1236495134