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Relay’ Draws Strong Early Reviews With Reservations Over a Late Twist

Early reviews praise Riz Ahmed’s taut lead performance, highlighting the film’s 1970s-style paranoia.

Overview

  • David Mackenzie’s thriller opens in U.S. theaters on August 22 after a yearlong run-up from its Toronto premiere.
  • Critics describe a throwback conspiracy vibe driven by analogue relay calls, burner phones, disguises and other low‑tech tradecraft.
  • Riz Ahmed’s restrained turn as an anonymous fixer earns consistent acclaim, with Lily James and Sam Worthington noted in support.
  • Many reviews cite a third‑act twist as a misstep that weakens otherwise meticulous plotting and mood.
  • Bleecker Street is promoting the movie with a fictional Tri‑State Relay Service website and text-to-call tie‑in.