As of December 29, 2025, film fans are searching for Relay movie Rotten Tomatoes updates following the release of Relay, the 2024 drama-thriller directed by David Mackenzie and starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James. The film has continued to attract attention from critics and audiences for its gripping storyline and stellar performances. On Rotten Tomatoes, Relay currently holds an 82% critic score and an 88% audience score, reflecting strong overall approval and sustained interest since its U.S. theatrical release.
This article provides a detailed, factual breakdown of the Relay movie’s current Rotten Tomatoes ratings, critical reception, box office data, and audience response — all verified as of late 2025.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Film “Relay”
Relay is a psychological thriller and crime drama that delves into the high-stakes world of crisis negotiation and digital identity. Directed by David Mackenzie, best known for Hell or High Water (2016), the film showcases his signature style of tense realism and emotional depth.
The movie stars:
- Riz Ahmed as Tom, a professional fixer who helps clients erase or manipulate their public image.
- Lily James as Sarah, a journalist investigating a mysterious tech leak connected to Tom’s company.
- Sam Worthington as Nathan, a former intelligence operative caught in a web of blackmail.
- Toby Jones and Ruth Wilson in supporting roles, adding intensity to the narrative.
The film blends elements of technology, morality, and human vulnerability, exploring how far people are willing to go to protect secrets in the digital era.
Release Details and Distribution
Relay premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2024, where it received positive early reactions from critics for its tight direction and thought-provoking premise. Following its festival circuit run, the movie was released in U.S. theaters on February 21, 2025, distributed by Searchlight Pictures.
A streaming release followed on Hulu in May 2025, significantly expanding its audience reach. Since then, the movie has maintained consistent popularity, appearing on various year-end watchlists and film discussions.
Relay Movie Rotten Tomatoes Scores
As of December 2025, the Rotten Tomatoes ratings for Relay are as follows:
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatometer (Critic Score) | 82% | Based on 247 professional reviews from verified critics. |
| Audience Score | 88% | Calculated from over 5,000 verified audience ratings. |
| Average Rating (Critics) | 7.4/10 | Generally favorable reviews, with consistent praise for performances. |
| Average Rating (Audience) | 4.4/5 | Viewers describe the film as “intense, relevant, and emotionally powerful.” |
These scores place Relay among the top-performing mid-budget thrillers of 2025. The strong balance between critical and audience appreciation has helped sustain the film’s visibility months after its release.
Critical Reception: What Reviewers Are Saying
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes have largely praised Relay for its sharp writing, nuanced performances, and its exploration of modern ethics in a tech-driven society.
Positive Reviews:
- Many critics highlight Riz Ahmed’s performance as the film’s standout feature. His portrayal of Tom, a morally ambiguous fixer, brings a mix of vulnerability and intelligence that anchors the story.
- Lily James earns praise for her layered role as a journalist whose pursuit of truth blurs personal boundaries.
- Director David Mackenzie is commended for crafting a narrative that feels both suspenseful and deeply human.
Constructive Criticism:
Some reviewers note that the film’s pacing slows in its middle act and that certain subplots — especially those related to secondary characters — could have been more developed. However, most agree that the movie’s tension and message ultimately outweigh its minor structural flaws.
Audience Reactions and Fan Response
Audiences on Rotten Tomatoes and social media platforms have been enthusiastic about Relay, often describing it as a “thinking person’s thriller.”
Common themes from viewer feedback include:
- Appreciation for the realistic depiction of technology and media manipulation.
- Admiration for the chemistry between Riz Ahmed and Lily James, whose dynamic drives much of the film’s emotional weight.
- Praise for the cinematography by Giles Nuttgens, which uses moody lighting and sleek framing to heighten suspense.
Many fans have compared Relay to Nightcrawler (2014) and The Insider (1999) for its exploration of moral compromise within modern professions.
Box Office and Streaming Performance
During its theatrical run, Relay earned a respectable $38.4 million worldwide — a solid figure for an original mid-budget thriller. It performed particularly well in major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago, where positive word of mouth helped extend its box office lifespan.
After arriving on Hulu in May 2025, the film found an even broader audience. Within its first month of streaming, Relay ranked among Hulu’s top 10 most-watched films, further increasing its exposure and boosting its audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film’s success on streaming platforms has also driven renewed critical analysis, with many publications revisiting it in “best thrillers of the year” lists.
Themes and Storytelling Approach
At its core, Relay is less about technology and more about morality. It examines how digital anonymity and data control can both empower and destroy lives. The film’s central conflict revolves around personal accountability — asking whether truth can survive in an era where reputation is currency.
Key themes include:
- The ethics of media manipulation.
- The emotional toll of secrecy and guilt.
- Human vulnerability in an overconnected world.
Mackenzie’s direction ensures that these ideas are presented through personal, character-driven storytelling rather than overt exposition.
Performances and Cast Analysis
Riz Ahmed delivers one of the most acclaimed performances of his career in Relay. Known for his Oscar-nominated turn in Sound of Metal (2020), Ahmed once again demonstrates emotional range, portraying a man torn between power and conscience. His ability to balance intensity with subtlety gives the film its heartbeat.
Lily James brings depth and determination to her role as Sarah, the investigative journalist challenging both her own ethics and those of her subject. Critics have noted that this role represents one of her strongest dramatic performances to date.
Supporting performances from Sam Worthington, Toby Jones, and Ruth Wilson add layers of tension and moral complexity to the story. Each actor contributes meaningfully to the film’s atmosphere of controlled paranoia.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director David Mackenzie is no stranger to high-stakes storytelling. His previous works, including Hell or High Water and Outlaw King, showcase his ability to blend emotional storytelling with visual intensity. In Relay, he brings those same strengths into a modern, tech-oriented thriller format.
The film’s visual style, handled by cinematographer Giles Nuttgens, relies on sleek cityscapes, dimly lit interiors, and reflections that symbolize the duality of truth and deceit. Every frame contributes to the film’s mood — stylish, tense, and polished.
Composer Jed Kurzel delivers a haunting electronic score that complements the film’s tone. The music heightens tension without overpowering the story, adding another layer to its immersive experience.
Awards and Recognition
Since its premiere, Relay has earned recognition from both critics and award committees. As of late 2025, it has been shortlisted for several categories at upcoming film award events, including:
- Best Actor (Riz Ahmed) – Critics’ Choice Awards 2025
- Best Screenplay (David Mackenzie and Matthew Orton) – British Independent Film Awards
- Best Cinematography (Giles Nuttgens) – London Film Critics Circle
Although final award results are still pending, the nominations further validate the film’s positive critical trajectory.
Comparison with Similar Films
| Film | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Common Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Relay (2024) | 82% Critics / 88% Audience | Ethics in digital age, manipulation |
| Nightcrawler (2014) | 95% Critics / 87% Audience | Media exploitation, moral decay |
| The Insider (1999) | 96% Critics / 90% Audience | Truth vs. corporate power |
| The Social Network (2010) | 96% Critics / 87% Audience | Technology, ambition, betrayal |
This comparison places Relay in strong company among critically respected films that balance intellectual themes with compelling drama.
Impact and Cultural Relevance
Beyond reviews, Relay has sparked meaningful discussions about privacy, online identity, and the ethical limits of technology. Its portrayal of a world where truth is negotiable resonates deeply in 2025’s digital landscape.
Film scholars and media analysts have pointed out how Relay mirrors real-world concerns about artificial intelligence, surveillance, and the manipulation of public perception — issues increasingly prevalent in American discourse.
By combining these modern anxieties with a deeply human story, Relay has managed to stay relevant and thought-provoking long after its release.
Final Thoughts
The consistent critical and audience success of Relay shows that the movie’s impact extends well beyond its initial release. With its 82% Rotten Tomatoes critic score and 88% audience rating, the film stands as one of the most successful mid-budget thrillers of 2025.
Its balance of strong performances, smart storytelling, and social relevance continues to attract both new viewers and film critics revisiting its themes. Relay not only solidifies David Mackenzie’s reputation as a master of contemporary thrillers but also reinforces Riz Ahmed’s status as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Share your thoughts below on whether you think Relay deserves its strong Rotten Tomatoes score — and how it compares to other modern thrillers.
