Relay (2025)
A taut, paranoid thriller starring Riz Ahmed as a corporate fixer whose strict code of silence shatters when a client's life hangs in the balance.
Relay - Movie Information
- Original Title: Relay
- Release Year: 2025
- Directed by: David Mackenzie
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 21, 2025 (Australia - M), August 22, 2025 (United States - R), August 22, 2025 (Canada - 14A), October 31, 2025 (United Kingdom - 15), September 25, 2025 (Germany - 12), November 26, 2025 (France - 12), August 22, 2025 (India - A), August 21, 2025 (New Zealand - M), September 26, 2025 (Spain - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Relay (ES), 릴레이 (KR), 传话人 (CN), L'intermédiaire (FR), 玩命中繼站 (TW), รหัสลับซ่อนตาย (TH), 紐約暗煞 (HK)
- Production Companies: Thunder Road, Sigma Films, Black Bear Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
Relay - Plot
A broker of lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and the individuals who threaten them breaks his own rules when a new client seeks his protection to stay alive.
Relay - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold:
No callers are identified. No conversations are recorded. No phone records are kept. Now speak clearly and when you are finished say: 'Go ahead'.
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Relay - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- David Mackenzie
Main Cast
- Riz Ahmed
- Lily James
- Sam Worthington
- Willa Fitzgerald
- Eisa Davis
- Matthew Maher
- Victor Garber
- Jared Abrahamson
- Pun Bandhu
- Seth Barrish
Writers
- Justin Piasecki
- David Mackenzie
Producers
- Teddy Schwarzman
- David Mackenzie
- Basil Iwanyk
- Gillian Berrie
Relay - FAQs
What is Relay about?
Relay follows Ash, a shadowy broker who quietly arranges payoffs between powerful corporations and the people threatening to expose them. When a desperate woman named Sarah comes to him fearing for her life, he breaks his own strict rules to protect her — pulling him into a dangerous spiral he can't easily escape.
Does Ash break his rules in Relay?
Yes — and that's the heart of the film. Ash operates by an ironclad code of anonymity and detachment, but Sarah's situation gets under his skin. His decision to intervene personally shatters the careful distance he's maintained, setting off a chain of consequences that drives the film's tension.
Where can you stream Relay (2025)?
You can stream Relay on Netflix or Netflix Standard with Ads. If you prefer to own or rent it, it's available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Plex.
Who are the main cast members in Relay?
Riz Ahmed leads as Ash, the enigmatic broker, with Lily James playing Sarah, the client who upends his world. Sam Worthington appears as Dawson, alongside Willa Fitzgerald, Eisa Davis, Matthew Maher, and Victor Garber rounding out a strong ensemble.
Is Relay based on a true story?
No, Relay is an original story. The screenplay was written by Justin Piasecki and director David Mackenzie. While the film's world of corporate fixers and hush-money brokers feels plausibly real, the characters and plot are entirely fictional.
What is the age rating for Relay?
Relay is rated R in the United States, meaning it's intended for audiences 17 and older. The rating reflects the film's intense thriller elements, violence, and mature themes. In other markets it carries ratings like 15 (UK), 12 (Germany, France, Spain), and M (Australia, New Zealand).
How was Relay received by critics?
Relay earned solid praise for Riz Ahmed's tightly wound performance and David Mackenzie's controlled direction. Critics highlighted the film's paranoid atmosphere and lean, efficient storytelling, drawing comparisons to classic conspiracy thrillers. The tension-first approach and strong ensemble were frequently singled out as standout qualities.
Who directed Relay and what else has he made?
David Mackenzie directed Relay, co-writing the script with Justin Piasecki. Mackenzie is best known for Hell or High Water (2016), which earned four Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. His work consistently blends gripping genre mechanics with character-driven depth — a hallmark very much present in Relay.
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