The Amateur is one of those movies that reminds you why you love spy thrillers—except with a twist. Imagine Rami Malek, best known for playing intense, brooding characters, stepping into the shoes of a CIA cryptographer turned revenge-fueled field agent. Sounds like a recipe for something wild, right? Directed by James Hawes, this film takes you on a rollercoaster ride full of action, emotion, and just the right amount of “Wait, did that really just happen?” moments. Based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, The Amateur is exactly what you need if you’re in the mood for a spy flick that balances heart-pounding sequences with some serious character growth.
Rami Malek plays Charles “Charlie” Heller, a CIA cryptographer whose life gets flipped upside down when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. Frustrated by the lack of action from his agency, Charlie decides it’s time to take things into his own hands. So, what does he do? He blackmails his bosses into training him as a field agent, obviously. Who wouldn’t, right? From there, it’s a thrilling journey into the world of espionage as Charlie’s quest for revenge grows more intense.
Rami Malek absolutely owns the role of Charlie. He brings a perfect balance of vulnerability and grit to the character, making you root for him even as he dives into a world that is way out of his comfort zone. The best part? Malek manages to make Charlie’s transformation from a quiet cryptographer into a full-on action hero seem believable—no small feat, considering that’s a pretty huge leap.
The supporting cast is top-notch, too. Rachel Brosnahan shines as Charlie’s wife, Sarah, whose death sets the whole story in motion. Laurence Fishburne adds his usual gravitas as Robert “Hendo” Henderson, Charlie’s CIA mentor. And Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, and others bring real depth to their roles, giving the film a nice balance of heart and action.
Now, let’s talk about the spy thriller aspect of it. The Amateur knows what it’s doing—it’s got all the action, tension, and gadgets you expect, but it also manages to layer in some emotional moments that elevate it. It’s not just a revenge story; it’s a journey of self-discovery, survival, and justice. Sure, it doesn’t exactly break new ground in the spy genre, but it delivers in all the right ways with tight pacing, solid dialogue, and some seriously intense moments.
Is the plot predictable at times? Yeah, maybe a little. There are a couple of twists that are easier to spot than a neon sign, but it doesn’t take away from the fun of watching Charlie work his way through increasingly dangerous situations.
At the end of the day, The Amateur is a thoroughly enjoyable spy thriller that makes the most of its stellar cast and intense storyline. Rami Malek knocks it out of the park, and the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously—perfect for a night of edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of spy movies or just someone looking for a good action flick, this one’s definitely worth the watch.
OUR RATING
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