It’s been a fantastic year for thriller movie fans. Overall, 2025 has served up plenty of suspense-fueled rides, but one that really didn’t get the attention its quality warranted was “Relay.” Hitting theaters back in August, I almost felt like the only person who actually watched it on the big screen, as none of my friends or family had even heard of the movie.
I found its relative anonymity a little frustrating, as it’s easily one of 2025’s most entertaining thrillers. But the good news is that a whole lot more people are about to be introduced to “Relay” because the film has just arrived on Netflix (as of Dec. 19). The world’s biggest streaming service should give it a much-deserved second chance to score more attention.
Trust me, if you like thrillers (and really, who doesn’t?), this gripping movie starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington needs to be at the very top of your watchlist. Particularly if you enjoy a good twist, because without spoilers, “Relay” offers a table-turning moment that had me genuinely reeling in jaw-dropping surprise.
What is ‘Relay’ about?
Set in New York City, “Relay’s” narrative feels a whole lot fresher than its predictable central setting. It revolves around an unnamed so-called “fixer” (Riz Ahmed) who offers his client a very unique service.
He acts as the broker between corporations and whistleblowers holding valuable company secrets, looking to exchange their information for a payout. To protect his own anonymity and ensure he doesn’t get implicated should things go south, he follows a set of rules and isn’t afraid of walking away if a client doesn’t follow his instructions precisely.
When his services are required by a woman named Sarah Grant (Lily James), who holds evidence that a powerful biotech company covered up the results of a study proving its new product has serious side effects, he becomes heavily invested in her safety. When professional business gets mixed with personal feelings, he starts to break his own rules.
‘Relay’ needs to be in your Netflix watchlist now
“Relay” comes from director David Mackenzie, who has cred in the thriller genre, having helmed the excellent Western crime drama “Hell or High Water.” MacKenzie's impressive ability to squeeze every ounce of tension from a sequence is fully on display once again here.
Ever better, “Relay” is a little more intelligent than some of its thriller contemporaries. It centers on a lead character who certainly isn’t playing around. Ahmed’s fixer is the type of protagonist who always seems to be one step ahead of the bad guys. And his use of a confidential relay service for the deaf to communicate with Sarah Grant (and the thugs threatening her) without giving away his own identity is novel. It's a recurring element, used in increasingly inventive ways throughout.
Much of the first half plays out almost like a heist thriller. The fixer gives Sarah a set of instructions to follow, and it’s delightfully engaging watching his meticulously thought-out plans come together. However, things only get more exciting when things don’t pan out as expected, and the fixer is forced to improvise on the spot to protect both Sarah and, eventually, himself. During a Times Square-set exchange, I was so engaged that I was practically holding my breath due to the suspense.
As I said, the fixer always appears to be one step ahead of the game. But the biotech company’s hired goons (including a menacing Sam Worthington, and an underutilized Willa Fitzergerald) are no fools. They are desperate to get back the incriminating documents in Sarah’s possession and eventually find a way to turn the tables on our protagonists. As things build towards the explosive finale, the paranoia levels ratchet up, and it becomes pretty hard (but very enjoyable) trying to figure out which side has the upper hand at any given moment.
Speaking of the finale, “Relay” isn’t a movie that shows all its cards early. I’m treading carefully here to avoid spoilers, but there are a few well-executed twists in the tale. As somebody who watched a lot of movies, and specifically a lot of thrillers, I consider myself pretty good at guessing twists before they are revealed. Credit to “Relay” because one of its biggest reveals totally caught me off guard, and had me questioning everything.
All of “Relay’s” narrative strengths wouldn’t matter if the performances of the cast didn’t match up, but when you’ve got an Oscar winner in your lead role, that’s not a concern. Ahmed is fantastic as the fixer. And while he’s intentionally a cold and distant figure, the movie does delve into his psyche and what drives him to offer his unique services. These moments add real texture to the proceedings and humanize its main player.
While “Relay” wasn’t a box office smash, grossing a relatively meager $4 million (obscene money to you or me, but to a Hollywood studio, it’s chump change), it’s clear those who did catch it in cinemas were impressed. “Relay” is "Certified Fresh" on Rotten Tomatoes with a critics rating of 82% (a little low for me), while viewers rated it higher at 89%.
At this time of year, it’s easy to get swept up in whatever new holiday movies streaming services like Netflix are offering, but I implore you (even beg you) to check out “Relay.” It’s one of 2025’s most overlooked movies, and I’m desperate for more viewers to give it a chance, if only so I’ve got more people to talk with about why it’s so darn excellent.
But, if all my praise above still hasn’t sold on you “Relay,” then here’s a rundown of everything new on Netflix in December 2025. Or why not check out my three picks for the best new to Netflix thriller movies this week? You probably won’t be surprised to learn “Relay” made the cut.
Watch "Relay" on Netflix now
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