Director David Mackenzie, known for Hell or High Water, teams up with writer Justin Piasecki to deliver an electrifying 2025 thriller, Relay, featuring compelling performances by Riz Ahmed and Lily James. This film masterfully captures attention from its opening moments, drawing viewers into a tense story about a whistleblower and a covert relay broker.
A Gripping Thriller from the Opening Scene
Relay wastes no time in immersing the audience into high-stakes drama. Riz Ahmed’s character, Ash—short for Ashraf, a detail revealed only towards the end—works as an intermediary facilitating exchanges between Sarah Grant, portrayed by Lily James, and powerful corporate forces. Sarah, a researcher at Optimal Pharmaceuticals, faces severe consequences after attempting to expose dangerous company research, sparking a deadly pursuit to recover stolen documents she wishes to return.
The film quickly establishes tension, as Ash shadows Hoffman, a mysterious figure involved in a key transaction with an irate CEO. The ambiguity around Ash’s intentions—whether protector or threat—sets a suspenseful tone that lasts throughout the movie. Mackenzie carefully unravels the plot without overwhelming the viewer, revealing details bit by bit and maintaining a gripping pace that never falters.
Powerful Performances Drive the Emotional Core
Ahmed and James deliver exceptional performances, elevating Relay beyond a typical thriller. Their characters rarely share screen time directly, communicating primarily through a relay phone service, yet they convey a genuine connection as if sharing the same space. This dynamic grounds the story emotionally and builds investment in their fates.
Both actors navigate a broad emotional spectrum, portraying fear, loneliness, urgency, and determination with subtle yet impactful nuance. Their ability to express complex emotions with restrained facial expressions keeps key moments tense and compelling, supporting the tightly woven plot that builds toward a thrilling climax.
“[Ahmed & James] give stunning turns… layering their performances with a variety of emotions and reactions.” —Unknown Reviewer
Tense Plot Twists Keep Audiences Engaged
Rather than following a predictable formula, Relay surprises viewers with well-timed twists that sustain suspense. The cat-and-mouse chase between Ash and the team led by Sam Worthington’s Dawson intensifies without ever losing momentum, even when the story’s direction shifts. Tight editing by Matt Mayer helps maintain this balance, ensuring the film remains a sophisticated and finely tuned thriller.
The narrative’s restraint in exposition allows audiences to piece together the complex relationships and motivations on their own, fostering a deeper engagement. This approach creates an atmosphere thick with anxiety but never overwhelming, as the film expertly balances character development with pulse-pounding action.
Suspense That Reshapes Contemporary Thriller Expectations
Relay stands out in a genre that has seen few truly remarkable entries in recent years. It delivers everything a high-quality thriller should: edge-of-your-seat chases, tense exchanges over the phone, and meaningful conversations that reveal the protagonists’ desperation for trust and connection.
The film’s impact lies in its multifaceted storytelling, combining emotional depth with relentless suspense, making it a strong contender for one of 2025’s most memorable cinematic experiences. By inviting viewers into its intricate narrative and showcasing compelling central performances, Relay raises the bar for intense thrillers in this decade.
As the movie continues to garner attention, its success could influence future projects focused on character-driven suspense, proving that thrilling storytelling and emotional authenticity can coexist powerfully on screen.
