Secure Communication in a Surveillance Age
Have you ever considered how secure communication is possible in an era marked by extensive surveillance? The film “Relay” presents a potential scenario, drawing from a real service that enables individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, or with a Speech Disability to make and receive phone calls. In the movie, a company of the same name utilizes this technology to facilitate communication between individuals who wish to keep their secrets hidden and whistleblowers who could potentially expose them, though they prefer financial compensation and a non-disclosure agreement. The narrative revolves around a situation where everything doesn’t go as intended.
The Characters and Their Struggles
Riz Ahmed portrays Ash, a reclusive New Yorker working for Relay from his small apartment, seemingly devoid of personal relationships. Lily James plays Sarah Grant, an employee in a bioengineering firm that has created a genetically modified grain marketed as a remedy for impoverished farmers, yet it has toxic side effects. Despite knowing the dangers, the company plans to sell the grain and is on the brink of a billion-dollar acquisition, with a SEC filing just days away.
Sarah’s Legal Battle
Early on, Sarah seeks legal help, revealing that after exposing the grain’s side effects to her superiors, she faced ostracism and harassment. She expresses her desire to sue her company. Although the lawyer praises her intentions, he redirects her to Relay, where Ash is assigned to support her case.
A Game of Cat and Mouse
The plot unfolds as a complex cat-and-mouse game. Ash facilitates the transfer of Sarah’s sensitive documents while communicating with her through Relay’s service. Simultaneously, a group of hired goons from the company monitors Sarah, trying to uncover the identity of the courier. In Relay’s New York office, employees manage communications, ensuring strict adherence to instructions to ensure the operation’s success. The transaction involves considerable sums, with Relay receiving an upfront fee and the company expected to pay Sarah a larger sum after the arrangement’s conclusion, backed by an NDA to prevent leaks.
Cinematic Qualities and Influences
“Relay” showcases a well-crafted narrative influenced by classic paranoid thrillers, resonating with elements from films like “Three Days of the Condor” and the series “Mr. Robot.” It skillfully poses modern questions about anonymity in a world saturated with information, providing answers that resonate with today’s audience.
Acting and Characterization
Ash’s character, though enigmatic, sometimes lacks depth, as his background becomes predictable and underwhelming. Despite this, Ahmed’s performance captivates the audience, supported by strong performances from other cast members, including Sam Worthington and Victor Garber. However, the film struggles with pacing and narrative consistency, occasionally sacrificing believability for character development.
Contemporary Relevance
Another challenge for new thrillers like “Relay” lies in addressing the public’s growing skepticism regarding authority figures in light of contemporary political realities. The film touches upon these themes through Worthington’s character, offering insights that resonate with the audience’s experiences. However, it hesitates to explore these complexities and their implications fully.
