If you’ve ever fantasized about a hacker getting revenge with keyboards instead of guns, The Amateur is your jam. A CIA code monkey turned avenger? Say less. The film stars Rami Malek as a grieving husband, brainiac, and unlikely killer in this espionage revenge thriller. But here’s the twist: he’s not a killer by nature — he’s a problem-solver. And this problem? It’s personal.
Rating:(3.0/5)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Amateur |
| Release Date | April 5, 2025 |
| Genre | Action, Thriller, Spy, Drama |
| Director | James Hawes |
| Based On | The Amateur by Robert Littell |
| Main Star | Rami Malek |
| Supporting Cast | Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Bernthal |
| Runtime | ~1 hour 55 minutes |
| Language | English |
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Light)
Malek plays Charles, a brilliant IT guy buried deep in the CIA’s less glamorous corridors. He’s not out in the field. He’s in the basement, fixing lines of code and trying to find bugs in surveillance systems.
Then BAM — tragedy strikes. His wife, played briefly (very briefly) by Rachel Brosnahan, is killed in a terrorist attack. Her screen time might be short, but it’s enough to fuel the rage and desperation that propels the rest of the story.
What follows is a spiraling tale of grief-driven espionage. Charles blackmails his boss (yes, seriously) to greenlight his mission for revenge. He gets trained by a crusty ex-operative played by Laurence Fishburne, and along the way, he enlists the help of a mysterious pen pal and tries to stay one step ahead of everyone who doubts him.
Ramy Malek as the Reluctant Hero
A Perfectly Flawed Protagonist
Malek is pitch-perfect as a guy who’s been dragged into a world that wasn’t built for him. He’s awkward, intense, and deeply human. You believe him when he’s fumbling through a spy mission because he’s not James Bond — he’s a guy who reads manuals.
Not a Killer, But a Thinker
There’s a great moment where Fishburne hands him a gun and tells him to shoot. Malek just stares. “You’re not a killer,” Fishburne says, calling it. But that’s the point. Charles is not built for this, which makes his transformation all the more compelling.
Supporting Cast: The Good, The Brief, and The Background
Rachel Brosnahan She’s in the movie just long enough for us to care — and for Charles to crack.
Laurence Fishburne Fishburne is solid, even if the script saddles him with a few groan-worthy lines. He plays the crusty mentor with just enough gravitas and dry humor.
Jon Bernthal… Was There
Bernthal plays a mysterious operative whose role feels like it was meant to be deeper. Instead, it’s like he swung by during a break from shooting Daredevil and filmed a few scenes on his lunch break.
Espionage Meets IT: A Unique Fusion?
We’ve seen spy flicks before. We’ve seen hacker thrillers. But blending both — and putting a socially awkward genius in the middle — makes for a surprisingly engaging twist. It’s like Mr. Robot meets Enemy of the State… on a smaller budget.
Pacing, Editing, and That Strange Rooftop Cut
There’s a moment in the movie where Charles is planning an assassination in a hotel. He spots people tailing him, looks anxious… and then BAM — next cut, he’s on the roof. No explanation. Just vibes. The editing can be jarring like that, and it feels like entire chunks were left on the cutting room floor.
Action Sequences: Hit or Miss?
Chase Scenes Worth Mentioning
There are a couple of slick, tightly directed chase scenes that actually build tension. They don’t reinvent the wheel, but they work.
Smart Moves Over Gunfire
The film shines when Charles uses his brain instead of bullets. Think MacGyver-style setups — makeshift gadgets, hacked security systems, bluffing his way into (and out of) secure zones.
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Themes and Symbolism
Tech as a Weapon
This isn’t just a revenge tale — it’s a look at how power has shifted. In a world ruled by surveillance, code is deadlier than bullets.
Revenge with a Brain
Charles doesn’t go on a rampage. He plots, schemes, and manipulates. It’s methodical. Personal. Quiet — until it’s not.
Conclusion
The movie is based on a novel, and you can tell. There are too many characters that feel important but never get fleshed out. Emotional arcs get rushed. You can feel the book trying to squeeze itself into a two-hour runtime.
Why do studios keep putting the best kills in the trailer? It ruins the thrill. The most jaw-dropping moment in the movie? Already seen it on YouTube.
Here’s the real talk: This movie feels like it was made for streaming. It’s not bad, but it’s not cinematic enough for the big screen. It would’ve thrived on Netflix or Prime, where expectations are different and pacing sins are forgiven.
There’s a version of this movie out there that’s tighter, leaner, and more emotionally resonant. A 90-minute tech-thriller with bite. Instead, we got the patched-together theatrical cut that tries to do too much and hits just enough to be watchable — not memorable.
The Good vs. The Bad – Quick Take
| 👍 The Good | 👎 The Bad |
|---|---|
| Rami Malek’s emotionally grounded performance | Pacing issues and uneven editing |
| Unique blend of espionage and tech | The trailer spoils major plot points |
| Realistic portrayal of a non-violent protagonist | Feels like a streaming movie, not a cinematic one |
| Smart over brute force — refreshing take | Trailer spoils major plot points |
| A few solid tension-filled scenes | Some scenes feel rushed or incomplete |
| Touches on modern surveillance themes | Adaptation feels bloated at times |
Final Verdict
⭐ Verdict: 6.8/10
The Amateur is a compelling concept wrapped in a slightly bloated package. Rami Malek delivers a thoughtful, nuanced performance, and the movie offers something different in the revenge/spy thriller genre. But inconsistent pacing, undercooked side characters, and unnecessary bloat hold it back from greatness.
Watch it? Yes. But maybe wait for streaming.
FAQs
1. Is The Amateur based on a true story?
Nope! It’s based on a fictional espionage novel, not real events.
2. Is Rami Malek’s character a hacker?
More like an IT specialist with mad surveillance and tech skills — not quite Mr. Robot, but close.
3. Is the movie action-packed?
Not really. It leans more into cerebral tension and tech tricks than full-on shootouts.
4. Does it have a satisfying ending?
Without spoilers — kinda. It wraps up, but not with the punch it could’ve delivered.
5. Where can I watch The Amateur?
It’s a theatrical release for now, but don’t be surprised if it lands on a streaming platform soon.
