Relay

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Relay

R

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1h 52m

Drama

Mystery & Thriller

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78%

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116 Reviews

89%

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250+ Verified Ratings

In RELAY, Riz Ahmed plays 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 a potential client (Lily James), needing his protection just to stay alive, the rules quickly start to change.

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Critics Consensus

A brainy thriller that harkens back to the gritty verisimilitude of classic conspiracy cinema, Relay might have one reversal too many but finishes the race with aplomb.

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Audience Says

Steadily led by Lily James and Riz Ahmed, Relay is a fast-paced, engaging thriller that feels effortlessly and refreshingly original.

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Sergio Burstein

Los Angeles Times

Ahmed, always excellent, perfectly lives up to expectations by playing a man with a very particular sensitivity... while James does her part with ease. [Full review in Spanish]

Sep 4, 2025

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

The action set pieces are nerve-wracking, but that screenplay snafu is too significant. Still, there’s a lot to admire in the filmmaking and in Ahmed’s performance.

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 3, 2025

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

Some of that effectiveness is undercut by some off-putting music choices, but McKenzie's command of the material is rock solid, Giles Nuttgens' cinematography achieves a sleek, moody metallic chill and Matt Mayer's editing is always fleet.

Aug 25, 2025

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Marlon Wallace

The M Report (WBOC.com)

Ahmed proves why he's Oscar-nominated for acting... he doesn't really speak... Ahmed's performance is mainly in his facial expressions and body language. There's even a scene where he's talking to a deaf person and he uses mostly ASL...

Sep 2, 2025

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Jeff Mitchell

Phoenix Film Festival

‘Relay’ translates into a compelling small-scale thriller in a massive and crowded New York City.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 1, 2025

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

A man brokers deals for employees who have inadvertently uncovered the unethical dealings of the corporations they work for and seek protection.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 1, 2025

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Rod D

good a very surprising ending

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

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Betty

I heard nothing about this movie and cant believe what a great find this was. It kept my attention from Beginning to end. A must see!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

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Lola

An entertaining movie led by Riz Ahmed who is always good.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

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Ghederick Eshmont

Not great, very shallow & cookie cutter, but watchable on a flight or late night stream

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/04/25

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Teresa B

My husband & I totally enjoyed this movie and would definitely recommend it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/03/25

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christine i

Super intense! Fun! Twist ending!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/03/25

Full Review

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David Mackenzie

Director

Riz Ahmed

Tom

Lily James

Sarah

Sam Worthington

Dawson

Willa Fitzgerald

Rosetti

Jared Abrahamson

Ryan

Relay: Exclusive Clip

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Synopsis

In RELAY, Riz Ahmed plays 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 a potential client (Lily James), needing his protection just to stay alive, the rules quickly start to change.

Director: David Mackenzie
Producer: Basil Iwanyk, Gillian Berrie, David Mackenzie, Teddy Schwarzman
Screenwriter: Justin Piasecki
Distributor: Bleecker Street
Production Co: Black Bear, Thunder Road Pictures, Sigma Films
Rating: R (Language)
Genre: Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 22, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 52m

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