David Mackenzie’s “Relay”: A modern thriller with a classic twist
A gripping tale of corporate intrigue
David Mackenzie, known for his work on “Hell or High Water” and “Under the Banner of Heaven,” brings a fresh yet nostalgic thriller to the screen with “Relay”. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, this film stars Riz Ahmed as Tom, a middleman navigating the murky waters between corporate whistleblowers and the companies they expose. The plot thickens when Sarah, played by Lily James, seeks Tom’s services, setting off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that blends cutting-edge technology with old-school espionage.
A director’s journey: From arthouse to mainstream
Mackenzie is no stranger to complex narratives and morally ambiguous characters. His latest project, “Fuze”, currently filming in London and starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, promises to be another intricate heist film. Reflecting on his career, Mackenzie notes, “I’ve done lots of arthouse films, and I love those films, but I’m trying to find a way of doing films that are still sophisticated, but are also slightly more kind of audience engaging and potentially commercial.”
Casting brilliance: Riz Ahmed’s intense performance
Riz Ahmed’s portrayal of Tom is a masterclass in subtlety and intensity. With limited dialogue, Ahmed relies on his expressive eyes to convey the character’s inner turmoil and determination. Mackenzie, who has followed Ahmed’s career closely, knew he was the perfect fit for this role. “I thought that Riz would be a more interesting contemporary take on it than many other actors, and just sort of went in that direction. And he was brilliant to work with,” Mackenzie shares.
The significance of the title
The film’s title, “Relay”, is a nod to the specialized phone service used by Ahmed’s character. This service, which employs operators to relay phone calls and messages, is typically used by individuals with speech or hearing impairments. However, its ability to keep users’ identities secret makes it ideal for covert operations, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
The allure of the outsider
Mackenzie has a penchant for spotlighting outsider characters, those who refuse to conform and often pay a high personal cost for their principles. “I’m very drawn to these sort of outsider characters. There’s a certain type of personality who just won’t accept, you know, go along to get along,” he explains. This theme resonates strongly in “Relay”, where the characters’ sense of right and wrong drives the narrative forward.
Creating an oppressive atmosphere
Shot in New York City and New Jersey, “Relay” exudes a palpable sense of tension and unease. Mackenzie initially wanted to shoot in November to capture a more oppressive atmosphere but had to settle for spring and early summer. “We’ve graded it down a bit, given it a bit of mood,” he says, ensuring the film’s visual tone matches its intense storyline.
A promising new writer
The script for “Relay” was penned by Justin Piasecki, a young writer whose work caught Mackenzie’s attention. The director likens his experience with Piasecki to his earlier collaboration with Taylor Sheridan on “Hell or High Water.” “It was rather like ‘Hell or High Water,’ which was by this unknown writer called Taylor Sheridan. I connected to it,” Mackenzie recalls, hinting at the potential for Piasecki to make a significant impact in the industry.
Final thoughts
“Relay” is a testament to David Mackenzie’s ability to blend sophisticated storytelling with commercial appeal. With a stellar cast, a gripping plot, and a director who knows how to create tension and atmosphere, this film is poised to captivate audiences and critics alike. Whether you’re a fan of classic thrillers or modern cinema, “Relay” offers a compelling experience that is both timeless and contemporary.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit Relay.