Shadows on the Wall

Relay

dir David Mackenzie
scr Justin Piasecki
prd Basil Iwanyk, David Mackenzie, Gillian Berrie, Teddy Schwarzman
with Riz Ahmed, Lily James, Sam Worthington, Willa Fitzgerald, Jared Abrahamson, Pun Bandhu, Eisa Davis, Matthew Maher, Victor Garber, Seth Barrish, Jamil Haque, Lou Liberatore
release US 22.Aug.25,
UK 31.Oct.25
24/US Black Bear 1h52

TORONTO FILM FEST

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Engaging characters and a snaky plot keep us glued to this snappy thriller, which is assembled with plenty of style and energy. Because director David Mackenzie takes the time to add telling details to a story about corporate malfeasance, there is plenty of suspense as things grow increasingly taut. And Riz Ahmed and Lily James are terrific as the quick-thinking duo at the centre of a growing storm.

In New York, biochemist Sarah (James) has stolen a report that proves her company is ignoring dangerous facts. With a group of shadowy goons led by Dawson (Worthington) following her, she's too frightened to be a whistleblower. So she turns to anonymous mystery man Ash (Ahmed), who no one has ever seen or spoken to, because he uses a telephone relay system designed for deaf people. He guides her through a complex process that should help her walk away from all of this. But Dawson and his crew are following every move far too closely.

This is a smarter than usual thriller, as the complex gyrations of the narrative require the viewer to second guess everything. This sometimes means that we get ahead of the screenplay, working out some of the twists beforehand. But mainly it allows us to get more deeply involved in the moral questions that ripple through the story, including the culpability of people who bury potentially explosive information, protecting companies instead of the public.

Ahmed is superbly cool as Ash, gliding through scenes efficiently, hiding in plain sight with the help of subtle disguises and careful planning. Through most of the running time, he's on his own, operating in the shadows while developing intriguing chemistry with everyone using this offbeat phone system. And we also see him attending addiction therapy groups with his sponsor Wash (Davis). Meanwhile, James plays Sarah as an intelligent young woman who is simply trying not to panic.

James makes it easy to identify with Sarah's plight, making a tough decision that perhaps doesn't feel fully right. So the way she clings to her connection with Ash is remarkably involving. This adds riveting edges to the film as the frighteningly determined Dawson closes in on them using a scary range of surveillance tech. As a result, the final act becomes very tense, even as cracks begin to show in the plotting. We hold our breath through a series of thrilling chases and battles, hoping that whoever emerges on top will do the right thing.

themes, language, violence 1.Oct.25

R E A D E R R E V I E W S

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