The Amateur, starring Academy Award winner Rami Malek in the lead role, is an espionage thriller that swaps bullets for brains, which was quite a refreshing take on a familiar genre.
Rami Malek plays Charlie Heller, a highly intelligent but socially awkward decoder/encrypter working at the George Bush Centre for Intelligence, the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), located near Washington, D.C.
His world is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack in London. After his superiors refuse to act, Charlie takes matters into his own hands, using his expertise in code and surveillance to track down those responsible.
Rather than turning him into an action hero, the film shows him using logic, technical skill, and careful planning to achieve his goal.
One particularly memorable scene, in which he breaks into a Paris apartment by following a YouTube tutorial on how to pick a lock, received genuine laughter from the audience.
Rami Malek was pretty good in the role, giving a quietly powerful and emotional performance. His character is believable and never overplayed.
Laurence Fishburne (Colonel Henderson) provides strong support, as do Rachel Brosnahan (Sarah Heller) and Caitríona Balfe (Inquiline), although some supporting characters feel underdeveloped or unnecessary to the overall plot.
While the film starts somewhat slowly, the pace picks up eventually. As it avoids excessive violence, focusing on the technical spy/guy behind the chair stuff and tension, it’s a movie for those who aren’t really interested in action. That said, the ending could have delivered more impact.
The film also makes good use of its settings like London, Paris, Istanbul, Romania, Russia and more, which give it an international thriller vibe. The use of technology is realistic without being complex or too over the top.
Based on Robert Littell’s 1981 book of the same name, The Amateur doesn’t reinvent the spy thriller, but it does offer a smart, character-driven approach. Check it out in cinemas on the 10th of April 2025.
Our Rating – 3.5/5
