Lily James returns to the big screen in the highly anticipated Lily James Relay movie thriller, teaming up with Riz Ahmed for a gripping story set to premiere in theaters on August 22, 2025. Following its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, the film promises to deliver suspense, standout performances, and an immersive moviegoing experience.
Release Plans and How to Watch ‘Relay’
Fans eager to catch the excitement of ‘Relay’ will be able to see the film in theaters nationwide starting August 22, 2025. The thriller will first have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival—an early showcase that often signals strong critical attention and buzz. The release marks a return to cinemas for both Lily James and Riz Ahmed in a dynamic new narrative.
The Star-Studded Cast Brings Depth and Drama
With an ensemble of familiar and acclaimed faces, ‘Relay’ features Riz Ahmed in the lead role as Tom, also known as Ash, and Lily James playing Sarah Grant. The supporting cast includes Willa Fitzgerald as Rosetti, Matthew Maher as Hoffman, Sam Worthington, and Victor Garber. This talented lineup adds layers to a story filled with tension, hidden motives, and emotional stakes.
Each actor brings a unique presence to the film: Riz Ahmed, known for his emotionally complex roles, offers intensity as Tom, while Lily James, who captivated audiences as Cinderella, transforms into Sarah Grant, the mysterious figure at the heart of the thriller. Willa Fitzgerald, Matthew Maher, Sam Worthington, and Victor Garber fill out key supporting roles, ensuring a dynamic interplay among characters.
A Plot Rooted in Secrecy and High-Stakes Drama
‘Relay’ centers on the life of Tom, a fixer who operates behind the scenes, expertly managing covert payoffs for corporations and whistleblowers while keeping his identity hidden. His world turns upside down when Sarah Grant seeks his protection, leading him to break his usual rules. The premise creates a parallel to stories like Glen Powell’s ‘Hit Man,’ particularly in the way Tom’s actions defy protocol, and the relationship between Tom and Sarah unfolds without face-to-face encounters, echoing themes familiar to fans of emotional, character-driven thrillers.
The storyline leverages the expertise of organizations like Bleecker Street and Vertical Entertainment, promising a tightly woven narrative that explores trust, danger, and unexpected alliances. Moviegoers can expect a journey where no character’s true intentions are fully revealed until the final act.
Locations and Production: New York City Comes Alive
Principal photography for ‘Relay’ began in New York City in April 2023, using the city’s urban landscape to amplify the film’s atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty. The backdrop offers both visual depth and a sense of immediacy, intensifying the tension as Tom and Sarah navigate a world filled with business intrigue, potential betrayals, and constant risk.
A New Chapter for Lily James and the Appeal of ‘Relay’
‘Relay’ signifies another milestone for Lily James, adding to her versatile body of work that includes roles ranging from fairytale icons to complex, modern heroines. Sharing the screen with Riz Ahmed, she brings emotional weight to a plot driven by secrets and danger. For fans of actors like Matthew Maher, Willa Fitzgerald, Victor Garber, and Sam Worthington, the thriller offers a chance to see them in unexpected roles, adding further excitement to the ensemble.
The suspenseful journey crafted by Bleecker Street and Vertical Entertainment puts ‘Relay’ on the radar for both critics and general audiences. With the initial festival buzz building ahead of its wide release, there is considerable anticipation about how the film’s plot twists and character dynamics will unfold.
As the August 2025 release date approaches, fans of Lily James and Riz Ahmed, as well as lovers of high-stakes thrillers, will be watching closely to see how ‘Relay’ stands out in a crowded cinematic landscape. The combination of star power, intense storytelling, and a dramatic New York setting positions the Lily James Relay movie thriller as a must-see film for the summer of 2025.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does Lily James wear prosthetics?
A. She says they tried out many kinds of prosthetics, such as noses, chins, eyebrows, and foreheads. In the end, they decided to use as few pieces as possible.
She explains that she only needed two pieces. They wanted her facial expressions to show clearly, without too much blocking them.
She thinks the team did an excellent job making sure her expressions could come through.
Q. Is Lily James wearing prosthetics?
A. James explained to “Nightline” that her waist is already very small. To make it even slimmer, she wore a tight corset.
The corset squeezed her waist so much that it measured just 17 inches while she wore the gown.
Q. How did Lily James lose weight for Cinderella?
A. British actress Lily James followed a liquid diet during the filming of Disney’s new Cinderella movie. Her corset was laced so tightly that it made eating solid food difficult. This tight fit caused trouble with digestion, so she chose to drink liquids instead.
