As of December 29, 2025, the search for Relay movie Rotten Tomatoes continues to surge as audiences and critics revisit one of the standout thriller-dramas of the past year. Relay, directed by David Mackenzie and starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James, remains a top discussion topic in the film community. The movie holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82% from critics and an 88% audience score, making it one of the most well-received dramatic thrillers released in late 2024 and early 2025.
The film’s timely subject matter — dealing with identity, truth, and the power of digital information — has struck a chord with viewers, elevating it from a quiet release to one of the most talked-about dramas on streaming platforms this year. Below is a complete, factual breakdown of the movie’s current critical standing, plot overview, audience reception, and long-term impact.
Story Overview: A Thriller Rooted in the Digital Age
Relay is a gripping psychological drama centered on the complex intersection between technology, morality, and personal responsibility. Directed by David Mackenzie, whose earlier works include Hell or High Water and Outlaw King, the movie follows Tom, played by Riz Ahmed, a skilled crisis fixer who helps wealthy clients manage — or erase — damaging online information.
Tom’s job involves manipulating digital narratives, silencing scandals, and crafting alternative truths for those willing to pay. But when he meets Sarah, an investigative journalist portrayed by Lily James, his world begins to unravel. Sarah suspects Tom’s company is hiding something much darker — a network of data manipulation that threatens national security.
As their paths intertwine, Relay evolves from a personal story into a high-stakes moral thriller that asks one pressing question: In a world ruled by digital deception, can truth ever truly survive?
Cast and Crew
The film’s success is built on a combination of sharp writing and exceptional performances.
- Riz Ahmed (Tom): Known for his intensity and emotional precision, Ahmed brings layered complexity to a man torn between ethics and survival.
- Lily James (Sarah): Her portrayal of a relentless journalist is both compassionate and fierce, creating a believable counterpoint to Ahmed’s moral ambiguity.
- Sam Worthington (Nathan): As a former intelligence operative caught in the fallout, Worthington’s understated performance grounds the narrative.
- Toby Jones and Ruth Wilson provide compelling support, adding gravitas to key scenes.
The movie was written by David Mackenzie and Matthew Orton, with cinematography by Giles Nuttgens and a haunting score by Jed Kurzel, both frequent collaborators of Mackenzie. Their combined vision gives Relay its slick yet unsettling tone.
Current Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Relay debuted with modest buzz during the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, but its critical reputation grew steadily after its U.S. release on February 21, 2025.
Here are the most up-to-date Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of late 2025:
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Critics (Tomatometer) | 82% | Based on 247 verified reviews from professional critics. |
| Audience Score | 88% | Compiled from more than 5,000 audience ratings. |
| Average Critic Rating | 7.4/10 | Generally positive consensus with praise for direction and acting. |
| Average Audience Rating | 4.4/5 | Viewers cite realism, emotional weight, and modern relevance. |
The strong audience-critic balance demonstrates how Relay successfully bridges thoughtful storytelling with mainstream appeal.
Critical Reception: Praise for Realism and Performances
Critics have consistently highlighted the realism and intensity that Relay brings to its story. Reviews emphasize the film’s ability to blend contemporary social issues — such as privacy, data manipulation, and media ethics — with the emotional drive of a character-based thriller.
- Riz Ahmed’s portrayal has been singled out as one of the best performances of his career. His controlled expressions and subtle vulnerability make Tom’s moral struggle feel authentic.
- Lily James has also earned widespread acclaim for her transformation from romantic lead to investigative powerhouse. Critics describe her performance as intelligent and unflinching.
- David Mackenzie’s direction has been praised for balancing suspense with emotional realism, avoiding the clichés common in tech-centered thrillers.
Some reviewers note that the film’s slower pace in the middle act requires patience, but nearly all agree that the finale delivers a powerful emotional and thematic payoff.
Audience Reactions
Audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and major social platforms reflect enthusiasm for Relay. Viewers describe it as “gripping,” “timely,” and “deeply relevant” to modern concerns about online truth and reputation management.
Many U.S. audiences relate to its depiction of a world where information can be weaponized. Fans have highlighted several aspects that stand out:
- Strong moral tension: The central conflict between truth and corruption resonates in an era of misinformation.
- High-quality cinematography: The visual style uses shadows and reflections to represent secrecy and duality.
- Emotional depth: Viewers appreciate how the film avoids cold technical jargon and instead focuses on human consequences.
The chemistry between Ahmed and James is also a frequent talking point, with audiences praising their dynamic as one of the most engaging onscreen pairings of 2025.
Box Office and Streaming Success
Relay performed steadily during its theatrical release, grossing $38.4 million worldwide, a strong return for its estimated $20 million budget. Its box office performance benefited from positive word of mouth, especially in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.
After debuting on Hulu in May 2025, the film found a second life with streaming audiences. Within two weeks, it became one of the top 10 most-watched titles on the platform. This surge helped introduce the film to viewers who missed it in theaters and contributed to a noticeable rise in its audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
By summer 2025, Relay had become one of the most discussed thrillers on social media, solidifying its place as a sleeper hit.
Themes That Define the Film
At its core, Relay is about truth — how it’s constructed, distorted, and consumed in the digital age. Rather than focusing on physical violence or chase sequences, the movie builds suspense through moral dilemmas and psychological tension.
Key themes include:
- Moral compromise: How far individuals will go to protect their reputation or success.
- Digital manipulation: The ethical gray area between controlling narratives and fabricating lies.
- Redemption: Whether it’s possible to reclaim integrity after crossing ethical lines.
These universal themes make Relay more than a typical thriller. It’s a mirror reflecting society’s dependence on technology and the ease with which information — and identity — can be rewritten.
Cinematography and Direction
Cinematographer Giles Nuttgens uses sleek, urban visuals and muted tones to emphasize a world that feels polished but deceitful. His camera often frames characters through glass, mirrors, and computer screens, symbolizing fragmented identities.
Director David Mackenzie employs a deliberate pace, allowing emotional subtext to unfold organically. His control over tone ensures that every scene feels purposeful, building toward a conclusion that leaves a lasting emotional impact.
The score by Jed Kurzel enhances this atmosphere. Subtle electronic beats merge with orchestral undertones, creating an immersive tension that lingers throughout the film.
Awards Recognition and Industry Impact
By late 2025, Relay has been recognized in several film circles for its storytelling and performances. It has received multiple award nominations, including:
- Best Actor (Riz Ahmed) – Critics’ Choice Awards
- Best Screenplay (David Mackenzie and Matthew Orton) – British Independent Film Awards
- Best Cinematography (Giles Nuttgens) – London Critics Circle Awards
Even without major blockbuster numbers, Relay has made a significant cultural impact within the film industry. It has been praised for proving that mid-budget, dialogue-driven thrillers can still succeed in the streaming era.
Comparing “Relay” to Other Modern Thrillers
| Movie | Year | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Notable Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relay | 2024 | 82% Critics / 88% Audience | Truth and ethics in the digital age |
| Nightcrawler | 2014 | 95% Critics / 87% Audience | Media sensationalism |
| The Insider | 1999 | 96% Critics / 90% Audience | Whistleblowing and corporate ethics |
| The Social Network | 2010 | 96% Critics / 87% Audience | Technology and betrayal |
In comparison, Relay stands comfortably among these films, offering a distinct modern angle — the tension between personal integrity and digital identity.
Why “Relay” Resonates in 2025
In an era dominated by misinformation, artificial intelligence, and social media manipulation, Relay feels more relevant than ever. The story taps into public anxieties about privacy and authenticity, portraying a world where even morality can be outsourced.
Audiences connect with the idea that technology’s greatest danger isn’t the machines themselves but the human choices behind them. That human element — embodied by Ahmed’s conflicted protagonist — makes the story relatable, despite its high-stakes corporate setting.
The movie’s emotional honesty and realism distinguish it from other tech-driven thrillers, keeping it in public discussion nearly a year after its release.
Future Legacy of “Relay”
As 2025 closes, Relay remains one of the most talked-about titles in streaming entertainment. With its high Rotten Tomatoes ratings, growing audience base, and critical acclaim, it’s positioned to endure as a reference point for intelligent thrillers in the digital era.
The collaboration between David Mackenzie and Riz Ahmed has been particularly lauded, with fans eager for a potential reunion in future projects. Industry insiders suggest that Relay could inspire similar films exploring ethical gray areas in modern technology and media.
More than a year after its debut, the film continues to attract analysis from film students, critics, and think pieces focused on how cinema reflects the complexities of truth in contemporary society.
With its strong performances, thoughtful direction, and high Rotten Tomatoes ratings, Relay has solidified its place as one of the most compelling thrillers of 2025. Share your thoughts below on whether the movie’s message about truth and technology resonates with you today.