“I want to keep pushing myself” — Actress opens up about risk-taking, chemistry with Riz Ahmed, and lingering self-doubt
Lily James is stepping into the shadows — and loving it. The Downton Abbey and Cinderella star is taking a bold career turn in the upcoming dark thriller Relay, where she stars alongside Riz Ahmed and Sam Worthington. And for Lily, the appeal wasn’t just the script — it was the challenge.
“At this point in my career, I want to keep pushing myself to play unlikely roles — roles that surprise me,” Lily told The Hollywood Reporter.
“That was definitely what was very appealing about this role and story.”
Now 36, Lily admits she jumped at the chance to work with director David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water), even if the project had been “any old thing.” But the gripping, unconventional plot of Relay — which explores the murky world of whistleblowers and surveillance — was a bonus.
“It felt really surprising,” Lily said. “I was thrilled to get to work with such a unique filmmaker. His movies feel so cinematic, grounded, bold and original.”
Thrilling Chemistry Without Sharing the Screen
One of the most compelling aspects of Relay is the dynamic between Lily’s and Riz Ahmed’s characters — despite the fact that they’re rarely on screen together.
“Riz is one of the most exciting actors out there,” Lily said. “The connection we were able to build despite our characters rarely being in the same room was a real challenge.”
Their onscreen chemistry was so powerful that Lily was shocked by the intensity of it when she saw the finished film at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
“When I watched the movie on the big screen, I was like, ‘Wow, there’s this great electricity between these two characters when they barely meet.’ It was quite a sleight of hand that David pulled off.”
Battling Self-Doubt Behind the Scenes
Despite her polished performances, Lily James admits she still wrestles with fear and insecurity when it comes to acting — especially after emotional scenes.
“I get frightened of not being good enough. I worry that I haven’t given enough or been true enough,” she told The Talks.
“That kind of fear lasts pretty much the whole shoot.”
Though she’s not consumed by anxiety, she confesses that doubt lingers throughout most of her projects — particularly after big scenes that demand emotional depth.
With Relay showcasing a grittier, more psychological side of Lily James, and with her drive to take on unpredictable, daring roles, it’s clear that this isn’t the same fairytale princess we once knew. And for audiences? That’s a thrilling transformation.
