Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.

Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.

“Relay” Film Details

Runtime: 1 Hour(s) and 52 Minutes
Seen Via: Early Screening

Released On: In Theaters
Public Release Date: August 22, 2025
Director(s): David Mackenzie
Writer(s): Justin Piasecki
Primary Language: English
Genre(s): Action, Thriller
Rating: Rated R
Distributor: Bleecker Street

Movie Summary

Ash, who also goes by John, depending on who you are, helps people like Sarah, who, at one time, planned to be whistleblowers but then got scared. He arranges for the return of documents, payment, and to make folks like Sarah disappear. But, being that Ash has been struggling lately with what got him into this career, alongside listening to the messages of a former client, Hoffman, it makes Sarah, his current client, increasingly difficult.

Why? Well, between her trying to remove the anonymity in her relationship with Ash and the people pursuing her becoming aggressive, Ash is put in an awkward position. One that was not helped by Sarah inconsistently following directions and putting herself increasingly in danger.

Cast and Characters

Ash (Riz Ahmed)

Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]

Character Summary: Ash is a Muslim man who has had a journey to get to where he is. As for where is that? Well, he works as someone who helps people who decide against whistleblowing due to the pressure of their former employer. He arranges the return of documents, exchange of money for silence, and is a one-man company in keeping them safe as well.

Sarah (Lily James)

Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
Character Summary: Sarah formerly worked for a bio-medical company and, upon discovering a dangerous experiment which was being swept under the rug, initially, she was going to do something. However, being followed and pressured has gotten her to the point of seeking how to get in contact with Ash.

Hoffman (Matthew Maher)

Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
Character Summary: Hoffman was Ash’s client before Sarah, who, despite being free and getting payment, struggles with what he should have done as he watches the news.

What To Expect In “Relay” (Rated R) – Content Overview

Dialog:
- Cursing: Occasional
Violence:
- Gun Violence: Full On Battles
- Gore/ Blood/ Body Horror: Bleeding
- Notable Violence: Intense Fight Scenes
Miscellaneous:
- Drinking: Yes

Review and Commentary

Highlight(s)

How John Maintains His Privacy And Secrecy [84/100]

“Tri-State Relay Service” is stuck in my head like a summer jam right now, and I have to admit, the use of it feels kind of genius. You have people, on an unrecorded line, read out what you type out, and because it is all treated as private conversations, and is an ADA service, there are a multitude of protections. Honestly, the only thing that would have made it better is if Ash mainly spoke in sign language (he does for one scene) to not just stay unknown physically but have no trace of what he sounds like to anyone in his network.

All that said, watching how he uses the system to his advantage makes you want to Google if any of this is real, does it work as portrayed, and honestly makes it feel like whatever research was done wasn’t just about places that could look cool, but how things could operate in an awe-inspiring way without high tech.

A Thriller Not Overly Reliant On Action Sequences [83/100]

When it comes to most thrillers, it seems like the goal is to be a “smart” action movie. So while there are gun fights, car chases, adventures, there is a more serious tone, something accolade-worthy. But, I would submit most thrillers lean far more heavily on being action movies than tapping into the drama side.

Relay goes more drama as it pursues Ash’s background, and how he got into this position. Has us listen to Hoffman as he navigates deciding not to be a whistleblower and wrestling with that decision. Then there is Sarah, who, seemingly like Ash, feels isolated, alone, and wants connection, despite how the situation at hand calls for isolation for safety.

Which isn’t to imply it is devoid of action sequences. It just doesn’t use it as a crutch or a means to win over or keep those who prefer gun fights and chases entertained. It’s recognized as something that is necessary, as things escalate, but not the hook.

The Ending Is Satisfying [82/100]

While certain elements were not expected, things do end in Relay in such a way that you aren’t left feeling cheated, that the film built up to nothing, or any negative perceptions. But, at the same time, it isn’t a feel-good, warm, fuzzy, things playing out where heaven and Earth were moved to make the audience happy either.

On The Fence

The Villains Are Mostly Bland [73/100]

The team that goes after Sarah are the type who may run, shoot, and drive fast, but they are mostly devoid of notable traits. You may recognize them from other productions; one is a little urban, but they don’t do or say much of note. They could be replaced halfway through the film with someone with a similar look, their stunt doubles, and you’d probably not notice much.

They are all simply a role to be filled, an antagonist to show how good Ash is at his job.

Overall

Our Rating (80/100): Positive (Worth Seeing)

While Relay may have a villain problem, it Ash, if not Riz Ahmed in general, more than compensates for that. In addition, as Ash is developed, and you see him build a connection with Sarah, it gives the necessary layers for you to get invested in the story, the characters, and want to know how this all ends.

What To Check Out Next

Follow/Subscribe To Our External Pages

Sending

User Review

0/100 (0 votes)

Listed Under Categories: Movies, Positive (Worth Seeing)

Relay – Review