Fans of gripping thrillers are in for a treat this December, as Netflix US has officially announced the streaming premiere of Relay, the critically acclaimed movie starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James. After earning strong praise during its theatrical and VOD releases earlier this year, the film is finally making its SVOD debut on Netflix on December 19, 2025. With its high-stakes narrative, powerful performances, and tight direction, Relay is expected to attract a massive viewership and become one of the most-watched thrillers on Netflix this holiday season.
If you’ve been waiting for Relay to arrive on a streaming platform, here is the complete guide—plot details, cast, reviews, release timeline, and why this movie is generating so much buzz ahead of its Netflix launch.
Relay Netflix Release Date Confirmed: December 19, 2025
Netflix has secured the streaming rights for Relay in the United States, marking the first time the film will be available on a subscription-based streaming service. While the movie first debuted in theaters in August 2025 and reached VOD platforms shortly afterward, fans have been eagerly waiting for the moment they can watch it on Netflix.
The film was produced and distributed by Bleecker Street, a company that has previously licensed several of its titles to Netflix. While Bleecker Street is known for collaborating with multiple streaming platforms, its movies rarely arrive on Netflix as a first-window release. This makes Relay a noteworthy inclusion in Netflix’s December 2025 lineup and hints at a possible continuation—or revival—of licensing collaborations between the two companies.
Whether Relay is a standalone licensing agreement or part of a new long-term deal between Netflix and Bleecker Street remains unclear. But one thing is certain: Netflix users are excited to finally stream it.
Relay (2025) Plot Summary: A High-Stakes Thriller with Intense Drama
Relay tells the story of a world-class fixer, played brilliantly by Riz Ahmed, who operates in the shadows. His job? To quietly negotiate and manage high-stakes payoffs between large corporations and individuals who possess potentially damaging information. Operating under a strict code of secrecy and precision, he has designed his life around anonymity—never revealing too much, never taking unnecessary risks, and always maintaining control.
His carefully structured world begins to unravel when a mysterious stranger, played by Lily James, seeks his help. She claims that she is in danger and desperately needs protection to stay alive. Her presence disrupts the fixer’s established system, forcing him to confront situations that challenge both his personal rules and his moral boundaries.
As the plot unfolds, their partnership leads to escalating tension, unpredictable twists, and a growing sense of danger. With each step deeper into the crisis, the fixer realizes that this job is unlike any he has ever taken—and the consequences could be life-altering.
With its mix of psychological depth, action-driven sequences, and emotional intensity, Relay delivers everything fans expect from an R-rated thriller.
Relay Cast: Riz Ahmed and Lily James Lead a Stellar Ensemble
One of the major reasons behind the excitement surrounding Relay is its star-studded cast.
Main Cast Highlights
- Riz Ahmed – Plays the expert fixer. Known for his standout performances in Sound of Metal and Nightcrawler, Ahmed brings a nuanced and gripping presence to the film.
- Lily James – Portrays the mysterious woman who disrupts the fixer’s world. James delivers a layered and emotional performance that enhances the film’s tension.
- Sam Worthington – Adds intensity and edge to the narrative with a strong supporting role.
- Willa Fitzgerald – Contributes additional depth and suspense to the ensemble.
Directed by David Mackenzie, known for acclaimed works like Hell or High Water and Outlaw King, the film benefits from his signature approach to gritty realism and emotionally charged storytelling.
Critical Reception: A Well-Reviewed, Old-School Thriller
Upon release, Relay received a wave of positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many reviewers praised its old-school thriller vibe, gripping tension, powerful performances, and grounded screenplay.
Highlights from Critics
- Time Out described Relay as an “old-school thriller,” with critic Christina Newland stating,
“By the time everyone’s drawn their guns, I was thoroughly invested.” - The Los Angeles Times praised Riz Ahmed’s performance, with Sergio Burstein writing,
“Ahmed, always excellent, perfectly lives up to expectations by playing a man with a very particular sensitivity… while James does her part with ease.”
These reviews have boosted audience anticipation, and its arrival on Netflix is likely to bring the film to a much broader audience.
Why Relay Is Expected to Perform Well on Netflix
Netflix users love thrillers, and Relay fits perfectly into the type of gripping, character-driven films that perform exceptionally well on the platform. Several factors support its strong streaming potential:
- Star power – Riz Ahmed and Lily James attract global audiences.
- Fresh release – The movie debuted this year, making it highly relevant and timely.
- Positive reviews – Strong critical reception increases viewer confidence.
- Thriller popularity – Suspense thrillers consistently trend on Netflix and Google Discover.
- December timing – Holiday months bring higher streaming traffic.
With these advantages, Relay is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s standout releases of December 2025.
Final Thoughts: Will You Watch Relay on Netflix?
With its official release date locked in for December 19, 2025, Relay is all set to make waves on Netflix. Whether you’re a fan of intense thrillers, gripping performances, or simply love watching Riz Ahmed and Lily James on screen, this movie promises a memorable experience.
As more big titles land on Netflix this December, Relay is definitely one to add to your watchlist.
