A man who lives by brokering secrets finds his anonymous world shattered by a desperate plea for help. The upcoming political thriller, “Relay,” follows a corporate fixer’s dangerous journey when protecting a whistleblower forces him to confront a ruthless system he once served.
PVR INOX Pictures is set to release the film in Indian cinemas on August 22, 2025, bringing a tale of high-stakes corruption and moral conflict to the big screen.
A star-powered conspiracy
The film is directed by the acclaimed vision of director David Mackenzie, known for the Oscar-nominated “Hell or High Water.” Academy Award winner Riz Ahmed stars as Tom/Ash, a top-tier fixer who specializes in mediating deals between corrupt corporations and those who blackmail them. His co-stars include Lily James as Sarah Grant, a client in dire need of protection, and Sam Worthington as Dawson, a cold and unforgiving corporate adversary.
Ahmed’s character operates in the shadows, but his meticulously controlled life is upended when Sarah’s appeal forces him to abandon his own strict rules. This decision plunges them both into peril.
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Mackenzie describes the film as a modern New York thriller that draws inspiration from the paranoia-fueled movies of the 1970s, highlighting the struggle of individuals against formidable, faceless powers. Willa Fitzgerald and Matthew Maher also provide supporting performances.
From praised script to premiere
The screenplay for “Relay,” penned by Justin Piasecki, first gained industry attention on the 2019 Black List, a curated list of the most well-regarded unproduced scripts, under the original title “The Broker.” Production officially began in New York City in April 2023, with further filming taking place in New Jersey.
The project is a collaboration between several production houses, including Black Bear Pictures, Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk, Sigma Films’ Gillian Berrie, and Teddy Schwarzman.
“Relay” made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024, where it was met with a positive critical reception. The film holds an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 28 reviews, and Metacritic assigned it a score of 69 out of 100 from nine critics, signaling generally favorable feedback.
Reviewers have particularly commended Ahmed’s restrained yet complex performance, as well as the movie’s sustained tension and timely social commentary.
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A story for our times
At its core, “Relay” delves into contemporary concerns of surveillance, secrecy, and the suppression of information. Mackenzie has noted that the narrative focuses on the quiet courage and inherent vulnerabilities of whistleblowers who risk everything to expose corporate misdeeds.
The 1-hour and 52-minute, R-rated film explores the personal price of choosing the right path in the face of overwhelming opposition. While Bleecker Street is managing its U.S. distribution, “Relay” promises to offer Indian audiences a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
