Arriving on Blu-ray this week is the tense new thriller Relay, starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and Sam Worthington, and directed by David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water). Despite earning strong reviews from critics, the film flew under the radar during its limited theatrical run earlier this year. Thrillers of this nature rarely make a major box office impact unless bolstered by an A-list ensemble, as seen with The Amateur this past spring, which starred Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne. Still, for fans of grounded, character-driven suspense, Relay is well worth seeking out.
Set and refreshingly filmed in New York City, the story follows Ash (Ahmed), a recovering alcoholic who has replaced one addiction with another—his appetite for danger. Ash works as a covert “fixer,” serving as a go-between for whistleblowers and the powerful corporations desperate to silence them. The film opens with a tense exchange between a whistleblower (Matthew Maher) and a corporate CEO (Victor Garber), mediated by Ash from afar. Neither party ever meets him directly; he communicates through an encrypted relay service that keeps his identity—and safety—intact.
When Sarah Grant (James), a former employee turned whistleblower, contacts Ash through the same relay system, the stakes rise. Before being terminated, Sarah smuggled out a report proving her company concealed the dangers of its genetically modified wheat. Initially planning to go public, she now fears for her life as corporate agents close in. Desperate to ensure her safety, she turns to Ash for help navigating the perilous fallout.
What makes Relay stand out is its taut script by Justin Piasecki and the superb performances from Ahmed and James. The authenticity of shooting on location in New York rather than using a stand-in like Toronto or Atlanta adds a palpable sense of realism. And while the film unfolds as a deliberate, slow-burn thriller, it delivers a twist that genuinely surprises. In lesser hands, it might have felt contrived—but here, it lands naturally and powerfully.
If you’re in the mood for a smart, restrained thriller anchored by stellar performances and genuine tension, Relay deserves a spot on your watchlist.
By: Marc Ferman
