Relay (2025) Review: A High-Stakes Conspiracy Thriller with Star Power and Sharp Tension

Netflix’s December 2025 lineup is packed with high-profile releases, but few stand out as much as Relay, the gripping conspiracy thriller starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James. Originally released theatrically in summer 2025, Relay arrives on Netflix just in time for holiday binge-watchers looking for something darker, smarter, and more intense than the usual festive fare.

At its core, Relay is a cat-and-mouse game between power, corruption, and survival. It follows a morally ambiguous “fixer” who brokers payoffs between corporations and the people they’ve wronged—until one job forces him to break his own rules. With a stellar cast, razor-sharp direction, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Relay is the kind of thriller that lingers long after the credits roll.

But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Relay centers on Daniel “Danny” Voss (Riz Ahmed), a fixer who specializes in making problems disappear—for the right price. His clients are powerful corporations, and his job is to negotiate settlements with individuals who threaten to expose their misdeeds. Danny operates by a strict code: no personal involvement, no emotional attachments, and absolutely no exceptions.

That code shatters when Claire Whitmore (Lily James), a whistleblower from a pharmaceutical giant, hires him not for money, but for protection. Someone is trying to kill her, and the deeper Danny digs, the more he realizes this isn’t just another payoff—it’s a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top. Now, with assassins on his tail and his own life unraveling, Danny must decide how far he’s willing to go to survive.

Relay blends elements of:

• Corporate thriller (think Michael Clayton meets The Parallax View)
• Neo-noir (moral ambiguity, shadowy dealings, a protagonist with a dark past)
• Action-suspense (tense chase sequences, high-stakes confrontations)

The tone is gritty, cynical, and relentlessly paced, with a cold, almost clinical approach to its subject matter. This isn’t a feel-good thriller—it’s a story about how power corrupts, how systems fail, and what happens when an ordinary man gets caught in the gears of something much bigger than himself.

One of Relay’s biggest strengths is its screenplay, penned by Taylor Sheridan (Sicario, Wind River) and Justin Simien (Dear White People, Bad Hair). The writing is lean, efficient, and packed with tension, avoiding the bloated exposition that plagues many thrillers.

The first act establishes Danny’s world with brisk, almost documentary-like precision. We see him in action—negotiating with a grieving widow, smoothing over a corporate scandal, and maintaining his detached professionalism. But the moment Claire enters the picture, the story shifts gears, morphing from a procedural into a full-blown conspiracy thriller.

Relay runs at a breakneck speed, but it never feels rushed. The film’s 98-minute runtime is a testament to its tight editing—every scene serves a purpose, whether it’s advancing the plot, deepening character, or ratcheting up the suspense.

• Act 1 (Setup): Danny’s world is introduced in 15 minutes of sharp, dialogue-driven scenes that establish his rules, his clients, and his moral flexibility.
• Act 2 (Descent): The conspiracy unfolds in a series of escalating confrontations, each one raising the stakes. A brutal mid-film ambush is one of the most viscerally tense sequences in recent thrillers.
• Act 3 (Payoff): The finale is a high-stakes chess match between Danny and the forces hunting him, culminating in a shocking, ambiguous ending that will leave audiences debating long after the credits roll.

Relay isn’t just a chase movie—it’s a scathing critique of corporate impunity. The film asks:

• How much is a life worth? (And who gets to decide?)
• Can you ever truly escape the system? (Or are you just another cog in the machine?)
• What happens when the fixer becomes the target?

Danny isn’t a hero—he’s a flawed, self-interested survivor, and that makes his journey all the more compelling. The film’s cynical worldview might not be for everyone, but it’s refreshingly honest in an era of sanitized, crowd-pleasing thrillers.

Riz Ahmed has always been a chameleonic actor, but Relay might be his most controlled, intense performance yet. Danny Voss is a man of few words, and Ahmed conveys volumes with a glance, a twitch, a sudden shift in posture.

• Early scenes: Danny is cool, collected, in control—a man who’s seen it all and isn’t impressed.
• Mid-film: As the conspiracy tightens, Ahmed peels back the layers, revealing a man terrified, desperate, and out of his depth.
• Final act: The transformation is complete—Danny is no longer the fixer, but the prey, and Ahmed sells the fear and fury in every frame.

This is the kind of role that demands an actor who can balance intelligence, vulnerability, and menace—and Ahmed delivers in spades.

Lily James has spent years fighting against typecasting (post-Cinderella), and Relay gives her a chance to flex her dramatic muscles. Claire Whitmore is not a damsel in distress—she’s a whistleblower with her own agenda, and James plays her with steely determination and quiet intensity.

• Her chemistry with Ahmed is electric—not in a romantic way, but in a clash of wills, a battle of wits.
• She holds her own in every scene, whether she’s outmaneuvering Danny or facing down a killer.
• The film’s best moments come from their tense, wordless exchanges—a raised eyebrow, a clenched jaw, a shared glance that says I don’t trust you, but I need you.

• Sam Worthington (Avatar, Hacksaw Ridge) as Richard Voss, Danny’s estranged brother and a morally bankrupt corporate lawyer. Worthington steals every scene he’s in, playing Richard as a smug, entitled villain you love to hate.
• Willa Fitzgerald (Reacher, Scream) as Maya, a journalist digging into the conspiracy. Fitzgerald brings sharp, investigative energy to the role, making Maya a compelling foil to Danny’s cynicism.
• Ben Mendelsohn (The Outsider, Rogue One) has a small but pivotal role as Lyle Carter, a shadowy fixer who may or may not be pulling the strings. Mendelsohn’s gravitas elevates even his limited screen time.

Directed by David Leitch (Bullet Train, Deadpool 2, Nobody), Relay is a masterclass in tension and kinetic filmmaking. Leitch’s background in stunt coordination (he was a stunt double for Brad Pitt in Fight Club) shines through in the film’s brutal, realistic action sequences.

• The opening sequence—a tense negotiation gone wrong—sets the tone with long takes, tight close-ups, and sudden violence.
• A mid-film car chase is one of the most visceral action scenes of 2025, shot with shaky cam, practical effects, and zero CGI gloss.
• The finale is a slow-burn standoff that builds to a shocking, explosive climax.

Leitch’s direction is lean and efficient, never wasting a frame. He lets the story and performances breathe, but when the action kicks in, it’s relentless.

Shot by Newton Thomas Sigel (Drive, Bohemian Rhapsody), Relay’s visuals are a mix of neo-noir shadows and modern, handheld realism.

• Color palette: Desaturated blues and grays dominate, giving the film a cold, corporate aesthetic that mirrors its themes.
• Lighting: High-contrast, with deep shadows—Danny is often half-lit, half-hidden, reflecting his moral ambiguity.
• Camerawork: Intimate close-ups during dialogue scenes, wide, disorienting shots during chases. The film puts you in Danny’s head, making you feel his paranoia and desperation.

Composed by Jóhann Jóhannsson (before his passing) and Hildur Guðnadóttir (Joker, Chernobyl), the score is a haunting blend of electronic pulses and orchestral dread.

• The main theme is a slow, ominous synth beat that ratchets up the tension with each repetition.
• Action scenes are punctuated by sudden, jarring strings, making every confrontation feel like a knife to the gut.
• The final act is almost silent, save for a single, repeating note that builds to an unbearable crescendo.

✔ Riz Ahmed’s career-best performance – A nuanced, intense turn that cements him as one of the best actors of his generation.
✔ Tight, unpredictable script – No filler, no wasted scenes, just relentless forward momentum.
✔ David Leitch’s direction – Brutal action, razor-sharp tension, and a perfect balance of style and substance.
✔ Lily James breaks out of typecasting – A strong, complex female lead who holds her own against Ahmed.
✔ Gripping conspiracy thriller – A fresh take on corporate corruption, with real-world relevance.
✔ Visually stunning – Cold, immersive cinematography that enhances the story’s themes.
✔ Ambiguous, thought-provoking ending – No easy answers, just a haunting final shot that will stick with you.

✖ Some may find it too cynical – No heroes, no happy endings, just a bleak look at power and survival.
✖ Pacing might feel too fast for some – 98 minutes flies by, but casual viewers might want more breathing room.
✖ Not for fans of traditional action thrillers – This is a thinking thriller, not a mindless shoot-’em-up.
✖ The villain’s motives could be clearer – Sam Worthington is great, but his character’s endgame feels a bit vague.

✅ Fans of smart, cynical thrillers – If you loved Michael Clayton, The Parallax View, or Nightcrawler, Relay is a must-watch.
✅ Riz Ahmed enthusiasts – One of his best performances, and a great showcase of his range.
✅ Lily James fans looking for a dramatic role – A far cry from her rom-com past, and a great step into darker material.
✅ David Leitch’s action disciples – If you liked Bullet Train or Nobody, you’ll love the tense, realistic action here.
✅ Anyone who enjoys ambiguous endings – No neat resolutions, just a haunting final shot that sparks debate.
✅ Viewers who like corporate conspiracies – A fresh, modern take on whistleblowers, fixers, and systemic corruption.

❌ Not for you if:
✖ You prefer happy endings – Relay is bleak, cynical, and morally gray.
✖ You want a slow-burn mystery – This is a fast-paced thriller, not a deliberate, atmospheric puzzle.
✖ You dislike violence – The action is brutal and realistic, not stylized or cartoonish.
✖ You need clear-cut heroes and villains – Everyone here is flawed, and no one gets off easy.

Relay is one of the best thrillers of 2025—a tense, smart, and visually stunning film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Riz Ahmed and Lily James deliver powerhouse performances, David Leitch’s direction is sharp and kinetic, and the script avoids clichés in favor of something darker and more thought-provoking.

Is it perfect? No. The pacing might feel too fast for some, and the ending will divide audiences. But if you’re looking for a thriller with real substance—one that challenges you as much as it entertains you—Relay is a must-watch.

Final Thought:Relay isn’t just a great Netflix thriller—it’s a great thriller, period. Stream it, debate it, and let it linger.

Available in 4K HDR – Relay looks crisp and immersive, with deep blacks and sharp contrasts that enhance the film’s neo-noir aesthetic.

Dolby Atmos & 5.1 Surround Sound – The score and sound design are a major part of the experience, so use headphones or a sound system if you can.

No bonus features – Unfortunately, Netflix hasn’t included behind-the-scenes featurettes or director commentary, which is a missed opportunity for fans of the film.

• In one sitting – Relay is short enough to binge in a single go, and the tension builds best when watched uninterrupted.
• With subtitles on – Some dialogue is whispered or mumbled, so subtitles help catch every detail.
• At night – The film’s dark, moody visuals work best in a dimly lit room, where the shadows feel more oppressive.

If you loved Relay, here are three more Netflix thrillers to check out:

1. The Guilty (2021) – Jake Gyllenhaal in a tense, single-location thriller about a 911 operator racing against time.
2. The Night Agent (2023) – A conspiracy thriller with 24-style pacing and a twisty, binge-worthy plot.
3. The Stranger (2022) – Joel Edgerton in a slow-burn mystery based on a true story.

Relay is one of the best thrillers to hit Netflix in 2025—a smart, stylish, and relentlessly tensefilm that rewards attention and sparks debate. Riz Ahmed delivers a career-best performance, Lily James proves she’s more than just a rom-com star, and David Leitch’s direction keeps the tension at a fever pitch.

If you love:
✔ Corporate conspiracies (Michael Clayton, The Insider)
✔ Neo-noir thrillers (Drive, Nightcrawler)
✔ Ambiguous, thought-provoking endings (The Parallax View, Zodiac)
✔ Riz Ahmed’s acting range (Sound of Metal, The Night Of)

…then Relay is a must-watch.

Stream it on Netflix now—just don’t expect a happy ending.** 🎬