The Amateur isn’t your average spy flick—it swaps out flashy gadgets and over-the-top action for intelligence, emotional depth, and a personal mission that hits hard. With Rami Malek leading the charge, this global chase for justice keeps you invested, even when the pace slows or the plot takes a few shortcuts.
Plot
Rami Malek plays Charlie Heller, a quiet, highly skilled CIA codebreaker tucked away in a Langley basement. His world is shattered when his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), is killed in a terrorist bombing in London. When the agency refuses to act, Charlie takes matters into his own hands. What follows is a dangerous globe-trotting mission where his mind becomes his biggest weapon. He stays a step ahead of assassins and secrets alike—all in pursuit of revenge.
Review
Directed by James Hawes, The Amateur plays against type. Instead of throwing the viewer into a whirlwind of stunts and explosions, the film leans on intelligence, emotional nuance, and strategy. Charlie isn’t a suave spy or action hero—he’s an analyst. But that’s the point. His quiet resilience and clever maneuvering become the film’s standout elements.
Adapted by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, the film does deliver chase scenes and big action, but it never loses sight of its emotional anchor: grief, isolation, and the moral fog of vengeance. There’s also a layered subplot inside the CIA that adds an intriguing twist to the story.
Yes, some of Charlie’s maneuvers unfold a bit too conveniently, and the film doesn’t fully explore the moral dilemmas it introduces. But the cerebral spin on the spy genre makes it stand out, even if some parts feel underdeveloped.
Rami Malek anchors the film with quiet intensity, giving us a lead who’s both believable and compelling. Laurence Fishburne delivers a commanding performance as a no-nonsense mentor, while Rachel Brosnahan shines briefly in a role that deserved more screen time. The supporting cast—including Julianne Nicholson, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, and Holt McCallany—adds further credibility and emotional weight.
Final Words
The Amateur may not reinvent the genre, but it certainly retools it—favoring brains over brawn and offering a refreshing change of pace. With strong performances and thoughtful direction, it’s a satisfying revenge thriller that invites you to think as much as it thrills.
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