Relay is a 2024 American thriller film produced and directed by David Mackenzie and written by Justin Piasecki. It stars Lily James, Riz Ahmed and Sam Worthington.
| Relay | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | David Mackenzie |
| Written by | Justin Piasecki |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Giles Nuttgens |
| Edited by | Matt Mayer |
| Music by | Tony Doogan |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Bleecker Street |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 112 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
It had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024 and it's scheduled to be released theatrically on August 22, 2025.
Synopsis
editTom (Ahmed) is a secretive "fixer" who brokers payoffs on behalf of corrupt corporations. Sarah (James) is a potential client who may need his protection.[1]
Cast
edit- Riz Ahmed as Tom / Ash
- Lily James as Sarah Grant
- Sam Worthington
- Willa Fitzgerald[2] as Rosetti
- Matthew Maher as Hoffman
- Victor Garber
Production
editJustin Piasecki's screenplay, originally titled The Broker, was featured on the 2019 "Black List" of most-liked unproduced screenplays.[3][4] It is directed by David Mackenzie. The film is produced by Mackenzie, Thunder Road's Basil Iwanyk, Sigma Films' Gillian Berrie and Black Bear Pictures' Teddy Schwarzman.[5]
Casting
editIn February 2023, Riz Ahmed and Lily James were cast in the film.[6] In April 2023, Sam Worthington was confirmed as a member of the cast, and was pictured on set in New York.[7][8]
Filming
editPrincipal photography began in New York City in April 2023.[9] Filming locations were also set to include Jersey City, New Jersey.[10][11]
Release
editRelay had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. In November 2024, Bleecker Street acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film.[12] It is set to be released on August 22, 2025.[13] It was previously set to be released in the second quarter of 2025.[14]
Reception
editOn the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 80% of 12 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.8/10.[15]
References
edit- ^ "Riz Ahmed and Lily James to Star in Thriller 'Relay' for Black Bear, Thunder Road and Sigma". The Wrap. February 17, 2023.
- ^ Erbland, Kate (September 7, 2024). "David Mackenzie Doesn't Make the Same Film Twice — Nothing Could Thrill His 'Relay' Stars Riz Ahmed and Lily James More". IndieWire. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Ramos, Dino-Ray (December 16, 2019). "The Black List 2019 Screenplays Unveiled & Ranked: Ken Kobayashi's Frozen-Time Romance 'Move On' Tops List". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
- ^ Jackson, Angelique (November 22, 2023). "Range Media Partners Signs 'Relay' Screenwriter Justin Piasecki (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 27, 2025.
- ^ Anderton, Joe (February 18, 2023). "Star Wars' Riz Ahmed and Downton Abbey's Lily James join thriller movie". Digital Spy. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (February 17, 2023). "Riz Ahmed & Lily James To Star In David Mackenzie Thriller 'Relay' For Thunder Road, Sigma & Black Bear: EFM Hot Package". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
- ^ "Melissa McCarthy & Paapa Essiedu on Set in N.Y.C., Plus Lucy Boynton, Priyanka Chopra and More". People. April 19, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (April 24, 2023). "Sam Worthington Joins Riz Ahmed & Lily James In Thriller 'Relay'; Filming Underway In New York & New Jersey". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
- ^ "The Day in Pictures April 14, 2023". The Times. April 14, 2023. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
- ^ Klawans, Justin (February 17, 2023). "Riz Ahmed & Lily James to Lead Thriller From 'Hell or High Water' Director". Collider. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
- ^ Relay Start Date Production Listing
- ^ Grobar, Matt (November 18, 2024). "Bleecker Street Acquires David Mackenzie's Thriller 'Relay' Starring Riz Ahmed, Lily James and Sam Worthington". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (March 4, 2025). "Bleecker Street acquires horror 'The Third Parent' starring Rob Lowe, Crispin Glover, Roselyn Sanchez". Screen Daily. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessadndro, Anthony (December 17, 2024). "Bleecker Street Sets 2025 Slate With Sundance Title 'The Wedding Banquet', 'The Friend', 'Hard Truths' & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ "Relay". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
