The Amateur Movie Review: Rami Malek leads a thoughtful yet uneven espionage thriller

Based on Robert Littell’s 1980s novel, the screenplay modernizes the premise but falters in execution.

‘The Amateur’ positions itself as a high-stakes espionage thriller that strives to break free from the standard revenge template. It resists the overdone tropes of the genre, hinting at a more grounded, emotional approach. However, while this departure could have been its strength, the film doesn’t quite capitalize on it.

Based on Robert Littell’s 1980s novel, the screenplay modernizes the premise but falters in execution. Despite ticking many boxes—action, covert missions, shadowy figures—it lacks the narrative depth and cohesion needed to sustain its promise. At times, the storytelling leans into the implausible, and those moments weaken the emotional grip the film seeks to establish.

A premise rooted in grief and retribution

At the heart of the film is Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), a CIA cryptographer living an idyllic life with his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), on a tranquil farm. This serenity is shattered when Sarah is killed in a terrorist attack in London. Frustrated by the CIA’s slow and opaque response, Charlie suspects a cover-up at the highest levels. His grief turns into obsession as he blackmails his superior into training him as a hitman, only to exact justice on his own terms. Guided by Colonel Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), Charlie embarks on a mission that redefines his very identity. The premise holds potential, setting the stage for a personal journey that could have rivalled the best of genre dramas—if only the follow-through had matched the setup.

Logically strained

Where ‘The Amateur’ stumbles most is in its tonal balance. Several sequences border on the absurd—one involving a bomb-rigged swimming pool, another where Charlie learns to pick a lock from a YouTube video (it actually makes you laugh)—both undercutting the film’s serious tone. Supporting characters are often introduced without purpose, adding unnecessary clutter. Side arcs and motivations feel underwritten, sometimes even discarded midstream. Charlie’s transition from a mild-mannered analyst to a vengeful assassin feels abrupt and inconsistent, making his descent into violence less convincing. It’s a case of missed opportunities, where a tighter script and more character insight could have created a stronger emotional arc.

A committed lead performance

Rami Malek brings nuance to the character of Heller, convincingly portraying a man teetering between vulnerability and vengeance. He plays the role with a quiet intensity, although he struggles in scenes demanding raw emotional breakdowns. Laurence Fishburne brings authority and warmth to Henderson, while Holt McCallany is solid as Director Moore, though his character arc, like many others, isn’t fleshed out. Unfortunately, Jon Bernthal as The Bear is underused to the point of irrelevance—his character is so marginal that his total absence would have hardly affected the narrative. It’s actually a disservice to the actor and a reminder of how much more impact this ensemble could have had with better material.

Verdict

The film’s first half suggests control and intrigue, but as it progresses, momentum fades. Subplots—particularly those involving CIA hierarchy—remain underdeveloped, diminishing their impact. Still, the film has its merits. It explores themes of personal loss and the moral cost of vengeance. These emotional layers lend the film depth and resonance. It also asks, however briefly, what violence does to a man who was never meant to wield it. ‘The Amateur’ is by no means a failure—it entertains and deviates from genre norms—but it’s hard not to wish it had gone further and deeper into the shadows it merely touches. It ends up being a thriller with more promise than payoff.

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Cast: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, and Jon Bernthal

Director: James Hawes

Rating: 3/5