Hollywood Minute: Riz Ahmed and Lily James star in new thriller

Riz Ahmed takes on a shadowy role in the new thriller “Relay,”

(CNN)- Riz Ahmed takes on a shadowy role in the new thriller “Relay,” playing a man who secretly brokers payoffs between corrupt corporations and the former employees who could expose them. To maintain secrecy, he uses a hearing-assisted relay service, adding a unique twist to the film’s tension.

Lily James co-stars as Sarah, a woman seeking his help to protect herself while holding onto leverage. “We are not bodyguards. We are intermediaries,” Ahmed’s character tells her, as the story unfolds with paranoia and suspense.

Director David Mackenzie says he drew inspiration from 1970s classics such as “The Conversation” and “Three Days of the Condor,” aiming to create a modern homage to the genre. He was particularly fascinated by the real-world experiences of whistleblowers, noting that even those who received large settlements often expressed a lingering sense of sadness and disillusionment.

With echoes of “Michael Clayton” and other legal-political thrillers, “Relay” blends secrecy, mistrust, and high stakes into a film that keeps its central character cloaked in mystery.

“Relay” is now in theaters.