In the wake of 9/11, the United States passed the Patriot Act, granting the government unrestricted surveillance powers, under the banner of national security. Since then, the normalisation of sacrificing privacy for perceived safety has permeated society to the point where people willingly surrender their personal data to technologies.
The film "Relay" is an intriguing critique of this scenario. Directed by David Mackenzie, it was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. It features Riz Ahmed as Ash, a technologist helping whistleblowers to anonymize their communication while exposing their employer's malpractices.
"Relay" is a rarity in the action thriller genre, providing a refreshing alternative to the clichéd 'big city' scenes with a more intimate, street-level view of New York. It also offers a deep insight into Ash's efforts to preserve his anonymity.
The opening sets the tone as Ash assists a whistleblower, Hoffman, in exposing the misdemeanours of a powerful pharmaceutical company. This is followed by another intriguing case of a revealing report exposing corporate corruption.
The film's strength stems from its focus on the details of Ash's endeavours: the use of obsolete technologies, the intentional racial profiling of the surveillance system, and the exploration of the mundane bureaucracy of post offices.
Riz Ahmed's performance stands out in its ability to convey a wealth of emotions without extensive dialogue. As the narrative progresses, signs of vulnerability emerge in Ash's usually aloof exterior. However, this newfound emotional depth leads to implausible developments, blurring the focus on Ash's primary quest.
Despite its poignant critique of surveillance culture, "Relay" falls short as it ventures into sentimental territory, resulting in an ending that doesn't quite align with the anticipation it builds. That said, the film still offers a compelling exploration of the realities of living anonymously in a monitored society.
