Movie Name: The Amateur
Director: James Hawes
Cast: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal
Writers: Ken Nolan, Gary Spinelli
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
The Amateur Review : Plot Summary
The Amateur, directed by James Hawes, is based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel of the same name. The film follows Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), a CIA decoder whose world shatters when his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), is killed in a terrorist attack in London.
When Charlie’s superiors refuse to pursue an investigation, he decides to take justice into his own hands. Blackmailing veteran CIA operative Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) into training him, Charlie transforms from a quiet analyst into a vengeful amateur spy. His mission: to eliminate those responsible for his wife’s death without leaving a trace.
Can Charlie succeed in avenging Sarah, or will the burden of revenge cost him everything? The Amateur is now playing in theaters across India.
What Works in The Amateur?
While the premise of The Amateur isn’t groundbreaking, it offers a refreshing, emotion-driven take on the espionage genre. Unlike typical spy thrillers overloaded with explosions and global conspiracies, The Amateur maintains a slow-burn tension, focusing on personal grief and raw determination.
Rami Malek’s performance is the emotional anchor of the film. His portrayal of Charlie’s sorrow, frustration, and growing resolve is nuanced and compelling. James Hawes’ direction keeps the story grounded, emphasizing intimacy over spectacle.
The cinematography is another standout, with moody, atmospheric visuals beautifully capturing London and Istanbul’s gritty streets. The personal nature of Charlie’s quest makes the stakes feel more real and relatable than in traditional spy narratives.
The restrained, dialogue-driven storytelling style keeps viewers emotionally invested, while the supporting cast — especially Laurence Fishburne — lends the film additional credibility without overshadowing Malek’s lead.
What Doesn’t Work in The Amateur?
While The Amateur successfully builds emotional depth, it struggles to deliver the adrenaline rush typical of espionage thrillers. Action sequences are few and scattered, which may leave fans of high-octane spy films slightly underwhelmed.
The revenge-driven plot, though engaging, feels somewhat predictable. Major twists, particularly toward the climax, can be anticipated early, dulling the film’s final impact.
Moreover, the film lacks the “X-factor” needed to elevate it into a truly memorable thriller. It’s solid and well-acted but doesn’t break new ground in the genre.
Performances in The Amateur
- Rami Malek delivers a quietly powerful performance as Charlie Heller, showcasing grief, vulnerability, and steely resolve with authenticity.
- Laurence Fishburne excels as Henderson, bringing authority and depth to his role as Charlie’s reluctant mentor.
- Rachel Brosnahan makes a strong impression despite limited screen time as Sarah, providing the emotional backbone of Charlie’s motivations.
- Caitríona Balfe and Jon Bernthal deliver reliable performances that enrich the supporting landscape of the story.
The ensemble cast works cohesively, maintaining the film’s emotionally intense tone throughout.
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Final Verdict: Should You Watch The Amateur?
The Amateur is a well-crafted revenge thriller that trades spectacle for sincerity. With a strong lead performance by Rami Malek and a focus on personal loss over global threats, it offers a refreshing break from bombastic spy films.
Though the story is familiar and the climax predictable, the emotional depth and grounded storytelling make it a rewarding watch for fans of character-driven thrillers. If you prefer your spy dramas subtle, intimate, and anchored by real emotion, The Amateur is worth a trip to the theater.
