Riz Ahmed stars in twisty new thriller Relay, directed by David Mackenzie, which promises a gripping battle between secrecy and danger as it heads to cinemas on August 22. Set against a backdrop of high-stakes corporate intrigue, the film delivers a tense story where Ahmed’s character, Ash, navigates both silence and peril in a world where anonymity could mean survival.
An Unusual Fixer at the Center of a Shadowy Operation
The plot follows Ash, an enigmatic and off-the-radar fixer played by Riz Ahmed, who acts as a go-between for whistleblowers and the powerful companies they aim to expose. Through an anonymous message relay service, Ash helps individuals—often frightened for their safety—retract dangerous revelations in exchange for protection and the safe return of stolen documents. This delicate role positions him at the edge of continuous risk, especially when desperate clients need to reverse decisions that once put their lives in jeopardy.
A New Client Exposes a Deeper Web of Danger
The mystery intensifies when a message arrives from Sarah, a scientist portrayed by Lily James, who works for a biotech company and uncovers evidence of a toxic chemical coverup. Ahmed’s character agrees to help, but this decision thrusts him into a tense standoff with a relentless corporate enforcer, played by Sam Worthington. The dynamic between Ash, Sarah, and their adversary amplifies the danger, setting the tone for the film’s suspenseful twists.
“This is a movie that keeps you guessing [and] on the edge of your seat,”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
“I don’t say a single word in the movie for [the first] half an hour, but it’s still gripping because the DNA of this movie is that kind of edge-of-your-seat thrill ride.”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
Nostalgic Thriller Vibes with Emotional Depth
Relay isn’t just a modern thriller—it takes inspiration from classics known for mixing tension with complexity. Ahmed likens its atmosphere to films such as Michael Clayton and Zodiac, highlighting that beneath its puzzle-like plot, the film explores authentic relationships and deep feelings. The story shifts as Ash, once isolated and detached save for rare sobriety meetings, begins forming a bond with the frazzled Sarah, prompting him to reconsider trust and connection.
“If you think about a movie like Michael Clayton, a movie like Zodiac, they’re not just this twisty story about the clever conceit at the heart of it. They’re about relationships and have a lot of emotion in them.”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
Corruption, Whistleblowing, and the Underdog Narrative
Themes of corporate corruption and the courage of whistleblowers resonate throughout Relay, mirroring news headlines and societal conversations of today. Yet, according to Ahmed, the movie avoids overt political statements, instead focusing on timeless stories of underdogs taking on powerful adversaries.
“I don’t think it’s trying to make any simplistic political statements,”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
“It’s a story about the underdog, the little guy trying to survive and go up against the powers that be. Maybe that resonates for audiences today more than ever, but I also think that’s a timeless story. It’s the David and Goliath story.”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
Collaboration Behind the Scenes and Lasting Impressions
Justin Piasecki penned the suspenseful screenplay, and the combination of his writing with Mackenzie’s direction drew an enthusiastic response from Ahmed. The actor, who holds both Oscar and Emmy titles, cited previous Mackenzie films like Hell or High Water, Starred Up, and Outlaw King as inspirations for their compelling characters, layered plots, and non-traditional heroes. Relay, he believes, is a movie that viewers will ponder and discuss long after the credits roll.
“If I think about Hell or High Water, Starred Up, Outlaw King, they’re just undeniably entertaining and gripping movies, but they still have interesting characters that you maybe haven’t seen before.”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
“I just was like, man, this is a movie I’d want to see. It really is one of those movies that you’ll want to talk about afterwards.”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
“There’s no greater joy as a moviegoer to be pulled into this kind of web of story and be entertained and surprised,”
—Riz Ahmed, Actor.
What Audiences Can Expect When Relay Arrives in Theaters
Riz Ahmed stars in twisty new thriller Relay, a film that stands out for its tight script and immersive direction, debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 7 before opening nationwide in theaters August 22. With appearances from industry figures like Lily James, Sam Worthington, and a compelling focus on ethical risks, secrets, and unlikely alliances, the movie looks set to generate conversations among both movie lovers and those who champion real-life whistleblowers. The impact may well endure long after the screen goes dark.
