Relay

Shocked at how solid this was. Not often you get a thriller in the vein of Michael Clayton at the movie theater in 2025. Sort of hate that it hasn’t had more noise around it’s release, but you get the feeling this would blow up if it ever hits Netflix.

One of my favorite feelings while watching an espionage movie is when I see something so clever done that it blows my mind. It’s hard for that to happen after eight mission impossible movies and hundreds of other spy thrillers, yet I found myself mumbling “how smart” or “very cool” probably four or five times throughout Relay.

It’s a competently made film with a wicked smart script & great performances at the center. I really wish that the third act was as smooth as the first two, but it wasn’t enough to sour my opinion of the film as a whole.

Almost all actors make the occasional stinker, but there are some who you can tell are remarkably intentional about the films they sign onto. Sure, they may not all work 100%, but there is at least some serious meat on the bone. Whether that be a strong directorial vision or a unique take on a common genre/story. Starting to see Riz Ahmed as one of those guys over the past few years. He may not always be the lead, but when you see his name on the cast list, it’s probably going to at least be a thoughtful film. Glad he got a chance to lead this one. Also glad to see Lilly James on the big screen. Hope she leans back into movies again! She’s always great.

Seek this one out if you can!