Relay, a moody and suspenseful thriller starring Riz Ahmed and Lily James — Ash (Riz Ahmed) is a clandestine fixer operating out of New York. He brokers deals between whistleblowers and corporations, maintaining his anonymity through a telephone relay service originally designed for the hearing impaired.
Sarah Grant (Lily James), a biochemist who has uncovered damning evidence against her employer involving dangerous genetically modified crops, approaches Ash. Together, they navigate surveillance, corporate intimidation, and ethical dilemmas as Ash helps her return the incriminating documents safely.
The story crescendos with a high-stakes chase, betrayals, and an ambiguous twist ending that reframes what you thought you knew.
🎭 Critics
The film has generally received favorable reviews, particularly for its atmosphere, style, and Riz Ahmed’s standout performance as a silently commanding protagonist:
People: Ahmed's real-life experience of loss (due to a robbery) deeply informed his portrayal, adding emotional resonance to his character’s silent strength.
Vulture: Praised the inventive use of relay communications and layered cinematography, though noted the twist could have been stronger.
The Daily Beast: Called it a “gripping summer thriller” and appreciated its noir tone and moral complexity.
Entertainment Weekly: Highlighted the daring choice of keeping Ahmed mostly silent for the first half-hour, enhancing suspense and emotional depth.
Some critiques note the film stumbles in its final act:
The Guardian: Commended the 1970s thriller homage and tension buildup but criticized the third act for losing its focused momentum.
Screen Daily: Felt the twist felt emotional forced and jarring, undermining earlier tension.
Gazettely and Indian Express: Described the ending as underwhelming or lacking resolution.
In India, Times of India gave it a positive 3.5/5, praising lead performances, cinematography, and slow-burn intensity, while Indian Express delivered a more critical 2/5, citing unrealistic plot elements.
💰 Box Office Breakdown
worldwide box office total for Relay (2024). Here’s what the most reliable sources report:
Box Office Mojo places the worldwide gross at approximately US $2,919,655, with a domestic (U.S.) total of US $2,665,551 and Russia/CIS contributing about US $232,376.
The Numbers offers two slightly different totals:
One entry lists the worldwide gross at around US $1,949,489, split between a domestic gross of US $1,927,941 and international earnings of US $21,548.
Another entry updates figures to a worldwide total of US $2,184,201, with US $2,071,768 domestic and US $112,433 international.
Wikipedia references a round figure of US $3 million as the film’s total gross.
Not Rated Yet