Relay

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2:18

Relay

R

Aug 2025

1h 52m

Mystery & Thriller

Action

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Popcornmeter

82%

Tomatometer

142 Reviews

89%

Popcornmeter

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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Mark Kermode

Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube)

It is pretty gripping stuff.

Nov 4, 2025

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

Away from the relay scenes, the film is rather conventional, but when Sarah and Ash — or rather his proxies — are on the blower, it’s enthralling stuff.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 4, 2025

Full Review

David Jenkins

Little White Lies

Even if it does eventually crumble to pieces, it’s a really strong thriller for the large majority of its runtime.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 3, 2025

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Nick Hasted

The Arts Desk

Really, it’s a modern take on the pulp fables of writers such as Charles Willeford, with crime and passion spurring characters to their fates, while Mackenzie taps Hitchcock for voyeuristic tension. Director and cast keep the conceit’s heart beating.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 14, 2025

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Terry Staunton

Radio Times

James is perhaps a tad one-dimensional as the woman at the centre of the storm, so thankfully Ahmed has the intensity and low-key charisma to make an understated but effective hero, fast on his feet and sharp of mind.

Rated: 3/5

Nov 11, 2025

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Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Engaging characters and a snaky plot keep us glued to this snappy thriller, which is assembled with plenty of style and energy.

Rated: 3.5/5

Nov 3, 2025

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Pamila

Really well done. Twist thrown in at the end did surprise. Main character is very affecting.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/13/25

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Brent

Absolute thriller, with a plot you can't understand how anyone could write 🤘

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/14/25

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Google

Excellent movie,I absolutely loved it..

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/13/25

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June

The plot was interesting and I really like the main character. Sometimes the characters would do stupid things and it was really hard to watch. Also some of the side characters were really annoying. Cinematically it was great and it was entertaining to watch.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/07/25

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First

Great movie, and even better experience… great margarita!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/06/25

Full Review

Rod D

good a very surprising ending

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/05/25

Full Review

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David Mackenzie

Director

Riz Ahmed

Tom

Lily James

Sarah

Sam Worthington

Dawson

Willa Fitzgerald

Rosetti

Jared Abrahamson

Ryan

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Relay: 1970's Trailer

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Relay: Trailer 1

2:18

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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: Mystery & Thriller, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 22, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2025
Runtime: 1h 52m

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