‘Relay’ is a superb throwback to the paranoid conspiracy thrillers of the 1970s – films like ‘The Parallax View’ and ‘Three Days of the Condor’. It’s tense, quiet, patient… and gripping.

The story centres on Ash (Riz Ahmed), a kind of underground broker who protects whistleblowers. He works entirely off the grid. He’s a master of disguise, always several steps ahead of everyone trying to track him. And he never speaks directly – he only communicates through a call relay service normally used by deaf users. It gives the film an eerie, analogue texture – more ‘The Conversation’ than ‘Mission: Impossible’.

His latest case involves Sarah, played by Lily James, whose company has covered up devastating information about genetically modified grain. As the plot builds, we realize this isn’t just about corporate secrecy – it’s about the cost of doing a job where connection is impossible and trust is almost fatal. The film is also smart on gaslighting: who is telling the truth, and why do we believe the things we believe?

For much of the running time it’s beautifully restrained – two lonely people relying on old-fashioned systems like landlines and postal drops, rather than smartphones. Even an old Who vinyl record becomes crucial in building trust between them.

It’s just a pity that in the final stretch the film shifts into more conventional action territory – gunfights and chases that feel more Bourne than 70s paranoia. But up until then, ‘Relay’ is an intelligent, taut character study that feels chillingly relevant in an age of conspiracies, whistleblowing and digital distrust.