Quick Read
- Relay is a 2024 action-thriller directed by David Mackenzie and released on Netflix in December 2025.
- Riz Ahmed stars as Ash, a fixer who brokers hush-money deals via a telephone relay service.
- The film explores corporate corruption and whistleblower ethics, receiving critical praise for its narrative style.
Relay Movie: A Fresh Take on the Corporate Thriller Arrives on Netflix
December 2025 has been a whirlwind for streaming audiences, but one title stands out among the crowded slate: Relay. Directed by David Mackenzie, known for his sharp, atmospheric storytelling in films like Hell or High Water, Relay marks a return to the kind of cerebral, character-driven thriller that both challenges and entertains.
Plot and Premise: Fixers, Whistleblowers, and Paranoia
At the heart of Relay is Ash, played by Riz Ahmed, a fixer in New York whose job is to broker hush-money deals between powerful corporations and whistleblowers capable of exposing their secrets. Ash is no ordinary middleman. He operates in the shadows, masking his identity through an old-school telephone relay service—a clever nod to both technological nostalgia and the need for anonymity in a world where information is currency.
When Ash is contacted by Sarah (Lily James), a whistleblower for a bioengineering company, he finds himself drawn into a tense, high-stakes game. Sarah’s employer is desperate to keep a new product’s toxic side effects under wraps, and a squad of hired enforcers is on her trail. Ash must keep her safe and broker a deal that could change both their lives, all while staying one step ahead of the forces determined to silence them.
Performance and Style: Riz Ahmed Leads a Stellar Cast
Relay wouldn’t work without a strong lead, and Riz Ahmed delivers. Critics and viewers alike have praised his performance as a man balancing cool calculation with flashes of empathy. Lily James matches his intensity as Sarah, whose fear and determination are palpable in every scene. Supporting roles, including Sam Worthington, round out a cast that never lets the film’s tension flag.
The film’s use of the relay system—where desk-bound operators act as intermediaries for the two protagonists—sets it apart from typical thrillers. These overlapping conversations, often conducted in different locations and with multiple speakers, could have been confusing. Instead, Mackenzie’s direction ensures that narrative momentum is never lost, and the audience is kept engaged without losing sight of the stakes.
Genre and Inspirations: Modern Suspense Meets Classic Paranoia
Relay is rated R for its intense suspense and mature themes, and it draws clear inspiration from classic paranoia thrillers of the 1970s. The shadowy, almost claustrophobic atmosphere recalls films like The Conversation, where every word and gesture is loaded with meaning, and trust is in short supply.
Yet, Relay isn’t content to be a mere homage. As the plot unfolds, it veers into more conventional action territory in its final act, offering chases and confrontations that, while exciting, are less innovative than its earlier narrative twists. Still, the film’s willingness to experiment—especially in its depiction of modern corporate malfeasance—gives it a fresh edge.
Critical Reception and Streaming Debut
Relay’s debut on Netflix is particularly notable for U.S. audiences, as it marks the film’s streaming video-on-demand premiere. It joins a roster of December releases that includes international hits and buzzy sequels, but its brainy, slow-burn approach has already attracted attention from critics and viewers seeking more than just spectacle.
Publications like Tom’s Guide and What’s on Netflix have highlighted Relay as one of the week’s must-watch movies, praising its execution and the way it manages to overlap suspenseful dialogue without sacrificing clarity. The film’s social commentary—touching on whistleblower ethics, corporate cover-ups, and the price of truth—has also earned it points for relevance in today’s climate.
Relay in Context: December’s Streaming Landscape
Relay arrived on Netflix alongside a packed release schedule, including the much-anticipated Emily in Paris Season 5 and international blockbusters like The Great Flood. But despite the competition, Relay has carved out its own niche, offering a thoughtful alternative to more conventional action and holiday fare.
As viewers sift through dozens of new releases, Relay stands out for its unique premise and tight execution. It’s not just another thriller—it’s a story that asks, “What’s the price of silence?” and “Who can you trust when the stakes are life and death?”
Impact and Future
With its strong performances and distinctive style, Relay may not top Netflix’s overall popularity charts—titles like Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and family-friendly fare like PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie are grabbing the most points this week. However, its critical acclaim and word-of-mouth buzz suggest it could become a sleeper hit among fans of smart, adult-oriented thrillers.
Whether Relay inspires future films to experiment with narrative structure and technology-driven suspense remains to be seen. But in a season dominated by sequels and spectacle, it’s a reminder that there’s still room for stories that challenge viewers to think as much as they feel.
- Relay is directed by David Mackenzie and stars Riz Ahmed, Lily James, and Sam Worthington.
- The film centers on hush-money deals, whistleblowers, and a novel relay messaging system that drives the suspense.
- Critics from Tom’s Guide and What’s on Netflix have praised its execution and relevance.
Analysis: Relay’s greatest strength is its balance between innovation and classic suspense. By weaving together timely ethical questions with a gripping narrative, it avoids the clichés that often plague the genre. While its final act may lean into familiar territory, its commitment to atmosphere and character makes it one of the most compelling thrillers streaming this December.