Sometimes a movie just needs a second chance to find its audience. That's exactly what happened with Riz Ahmed and Lily James' 2025 thriller, Relay. Back in August, it had a quiet theatrical run, barely making a blip at the box office with just $4 million. Fast forward to December 2025, and Netflix subscribers have unearthed this cerebral gem, catapulting it straight to the #10 spot on the streaming giant's U.S. charts. Talk about a plot twist no one saw coming!

🎬 What's Relay All About?

At its heart, Relay is a classic cat-and-mouse game with a modern, tech-savvy twist. Lily James plays a whistleblower trying to expose a sinister agrochemical company. She enlists the help of Riz Ahmed's character, Ash—a mysterious fixer who lives entirely off the grid. The film's title is super clever; it refers to the relay phone service for the deaf that Ash uses to communicate, which also doubles as the perfect cover to protect his identity. It's all about secrets, paranoia, and fighting the powers that be from the shadows.

🏆 Critical Acclaim & That Rotten Tomatoes Score

Don't let the low box office numbers fool you—the critics were onto something from the start. After its premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, Relay earned a stellar 84% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers couldn't stop praising it, calling it a smart and intense throwback to the paranoid conspiracy thrillers of the 1970s, like The Parallax View and The Conversation. One reviewer even hailed it as "one of 2025's most exciting films," an intricate action thriller with a rock-solid foundation and actors who are fully committed to the material. High praise, indeed!

✨ Why Riz Ahmed's Performance is a Masterclass

Riz Ahmed's portrayal of Ash is getting all the well-deserved love. He plays a man who has completely disconnected from the digital world to fight the system on his own terms. In a world where we're all glued to our screens 24/7, Ahmed found something strangely liberating about the role. He said in an interview, "It was like living a dream... Don't you dream every day about not using your phone and going off-grid? That felt kind of cool, and I think that's something that passes through a lot of people's minds." It's that relatable desire to disconnect that makes Ash such a fascinating and contemporary hero.

🔍 Lily James on the Script's Twists & Turns

Lily James, who plays the determined whistleblower Sarah, was just as captivated by the story. She admitted she was "genuinely surprised by how things unfolded, by the different characters and the secrets they have." And honestly, same! The script keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly questioning who you can trust. It's the kind of movie that makes you want to rewind and watch again to catch all the clues you missed the first time.

🎥 Director David Mackenzie's Vision

Director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) had a very specific goal with Relay. While the film might remind some of those classic '70s thrillers, he wasn't interested in nostalgia. "I wasn't interested in making it feel nostalgic," he explained. "I hope it's more punk rock." His aim was to create a feeling of instability—like the ground is constantly shifting beneath your feet and the truth is always just out of reach. He wanted it to feel urgent, relevant, and deeply contemporary. Mission accomplished.

📊 The Relay Breakdown

For those who love the details, here's a quick snapshot of the film:

💭 Final Thoughts & Why You Should Stream It

Relay is the perfect example of a film finding its moment. It's a tense, intelligent thriller for anyone who loves a story that makes you think. With powerhouse performances from Ahmed and James and Mackenzie's sharp direction, it's no wonder it's become a word-of-mouth sensation on Netflix. If you're in the mood for a movie that's less about flashy explosions and more about psychological chess, this is your next watch. Just be prepared for your own phone to feel a little... extra afterwards.

So, have you joined the Relay relay yet? What did you think of that final act? Let's just say the ending... leaves you with a lot to process.