Relay blends elements of the first Mission: Impossible, Hit Man and Michael Clayton into a gripping thriller helmed with confidence by director David Mackenzie. The always charismatic Riz Ahmed plays Ash, a reclusive middleman who facilitates deals for whistleblowers while staying anonymous. When Ash’s latest client, Sarah Grant (the always engaging Lily James), seeks to return stolen documents in exchange for money, the case quickly becomes complicated as ruthless henchmen close in on her.
The film excels with its engaging plot, strong character performances from the main trio, and clever set pieces, particularly a tense document handoff in Times Square reminiscent of the original Mission: Impossible. The villains are menacing and clever, the pacing is tight, and the editing is sharp, keeping the tension high. While a twist in the final act slightly undermines character development, Relay remains a well-crafted and effective thriller.