Relay might be the most enjoyable film this summer that you’ve never heard of.

Directed by David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water), Relay is a throwback to the conspiracy thrillers of old. This is the sort of film that feels like old-school films like The Conversation or Enemy of the State. Here, every step that these characters take outside seems like an opportunity for disaster. And Mackenzie takes us along for the ride with them. Entertaining and energetic, Relay operates on a slow burn, building with intensity until finally erupting in chaos in the film’s final act.

Relay tells the story of a world class ‘fixer’ (Riz Ahmed), who specializes in brokering payoffs between corrupt corporations and potential whistleblowers. Operating from the shadows, he holds firmly to his set of rules, including the use of a ‘relay’ service that keeps his conversations with clients anonymous. However, when he receives a call from a potential client who desperately needs his help to return secret documents, the lines between his rules of safety begin to blur, potentially putting both of their lives at risk.

But what makes Relay so effective is that it usually creates this tension through simple moments. This isn’t Mission: Impossible. There are no vault break-ins or high wire heroics. Instead, it’s everyday activities such as checking the post office or talking on the phone that evolve into moments that keep us riveted. (And, frankly, the use of a relay service that keeps no records of its clients is a stroke of genius for the purposes of a thriller like this.) With every move on the proverbial chess board, Ahmed’s fixer masters the mundane moments in life in an effort to stay one step ahead of his antagonists.

In essence, this is a true game of ‘cat-and-mouse’ that, somehow, seems to favour the prey instead of the predator.

As the ‘fixer’, Ahmed approaches his role with intensity and focus. With minimal dialogue, he is able to communicate a great deal through his facial expressions. Fear, rage and, above all else, compassion are easily discernable simply with his steely glare or raised eyebrows. Although we know nothing about his mysterious character and his past, we somehow feel as though we know enough to trust him.

At the same time though, Ahmed has found a delightful dance partner in James. Despite playing a character who’s in over her head, James still manages to give Sarah a certain confidence to her voice. Even though she’s fighting for her life, Sarah still steps into the circumstances with blind faith in her ‘relay’ partner, showing courage when she needs to.

But, strangely enough, where both performers come alive is… over the phone. It takes a great deal to craft a believable relationship between people who rarely share the screen together but, amazingly, James and Ahmed make it work exceedingly well. Each conversation via relay is electrified with tension between the two leads. Are they working each other? Can they be trusted? Are they flirting? Credit must be given to Mackenzie for some stellar editing in these moments as every connection seems intimate, even if they’re speaking through someone else.

While the film has no grand messaging, Relay leans into conversations surrounding Big Pharma and its willingness to bend the rules for the sake of profit. What’s more, it’s also worth noting as well that the ‘relay’ service is identified as a service for the deaf. (And, what’s more, there is also a deaf member of the cast as well.) While this is only mentioned in passing, it is fascinating considering Ahmed’s role in 2020’s Sound of Metal, a film that focused on celebrating and elevating the deaf community. It’s a subtle inclusion but speaks volume about the film’s intentional diversity in its casting.

Admittedly, there will be some who get frustrated by the film’s finale. Without giving any spoilers, Relay takes a BIG swing with its storytelling that may prove divisive. However, the film is so unbelievably fun that one can’t help but enjoy the ride. (And, to be honest, the more I reflected upon the narrative decision, the more I appreciated it.)

Even though it has some bumpy moments, Mackenzie keeps the action tight and Ahmed and James create absolute magic together onscreen. In short, Relay is a mission well worth accepting.

Relay is available in theatres on Friday, August 22nd, 2025.