Relay: Riz Ahmed tries to protect Lily James in David Mackenzie thriller

Best Actor Oscar nominee Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) and Lily James, who was recently nominated for an Emmy for her performance as Pamela Anderson in Pam & Tommy, have signed on to star in the “contemporary thriller” Relay, which is scheduled to start filming in New York and New Jersey in April. At the helm of the film is David Mackenzie, whose credits include Outlaw King, Under the Banner of Heaven, and Best Picture nominee Hell or High Water.

Mackenzie is also producing Relay alongside Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk, Sigma’s Gillian Berrie, and Black Bear’s Teddy Schwarzman. Black Bear’s Michael Heimler and John Friedberg executive produce with Thunder Road’s Erica Lee and Charlie Morrison. Black Bear is also fully financing the film, with Black Bear International handling international sales and presenting the project to potential buyers at the European Film Market. CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group, which worked together to arrange the film’s financing with Black Bear, are co-representing the domestic rights.

Mackenzie wrote the screenplay for Relay with Justin Piasecki, whose only previous credit is a 2008 short film. The story Mackenzie and Piasecki crafted together will see Ahmed taking on the role of Tom, a world class “fixer” who specializes in brokering lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and the individuals who threaten their ruin. He keeps his identity a secret through meticulous planning and always follows an exacting set of rules. But when a message arrives one day from potential client Sarah (James), needing Tom’s protection just to stay alive, the rules quickly start to change.

That sounds like a solid set-up for a thriller, and Ahmed and James are great choices to have leading the cast. I look forward to seeing just how thrilling this situation is going to get for their characters. Having Mackenzie directing is also a major selling point for me, because I loved Hell or High Water.

How does Relay sound to you? Are you interested in watching a David Mackenzie thriller starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James? Share your thoughts on this one by leaving a comment below.