The Amateur Review: Rami Malek’s Exciting, Grounded Spy Movie

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The Amateur, helmed by James Hawes with Rami Malek in the lead role, harks back to traditional spy thrillers but offers a contemporary twist. This gripping tale revolves around a vigilante, focusing on character development rather than genre overhaul. It’s a story that doesn’t aim to change the mold but instead emphasizes what makes these films engaging. Realistic, intelligent, and frequently suspenseful, the movie provides an enjoyable experience that combines the comfort of familiarity with a touch of novelty, primarily due to its unconventional protagonist.

In a different phrasing: Malek portrays the role of Charles Heller, a CIA codebreaker whose world is turned upside down after his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), is lost in a London terrorist incident. When he learns that the agency has no intention of pursuing those responsible due to bureaucratic obstacles and conflicting priorities, he takes it upon himself to act. By exploiting confidential data to coerce the CIA into training him for fieldwork, Charles transforms into an unconventional agent driven by sorrow and retribution.

The movie truly excels in this aspect. Rami Malek deviates from the conventional action hero mold. He’s lean, clumsy, and doesn’t miraculously acquire super-soldier abilities overnight. Instead, he offers intellect and a sense of urgency. The portrayal of Charles navigating the intricate world of espionage with minimal experience yet keen intuition creates an authentic tension throughout the film. One notable scene showcases Charles struggling with a locked door and resorting to watching a YouTube tutorial on lock-picking. This scene encapsulates the film’s dedication to realism, maintaining Charles’ human qualities even as the surrounding threats intensify.

Laurence Fishburne delivers a heavyweight performance as Robert Henderson, a character who’s both Charles’s handler and reluctant ally. Struggling between his sense of duty and empathy, he echoes roles Fishburne has played before, offering a more gruff version of Morpheus-like guidance to Charles. The interaction between the two is captivating. Henderson sometimes clashes with Charles, yet despite the underdeveloped aspects of his character, Fishburne’s acting infuses the film with a seriousness that counterbalances Malek’s more animated performance.

Rachel Brosnahan’s portrayal of Sarah may be short-lived, but the movie effectively sets up an emotional bond between her and Charles right from the start. This minor role is likely to leave a lasting impact as she steps into the iconic role of Lois Lane in the upcoming Superman film. It’s worth noting that the storyline involving a dead wife serves as a recurring trope, often referred to as Dead Wife Syndrome (DWS), where the main character mourns his lost love by experiencing ghostly visions of her while coping with grief, much like in The Creator, Haunted Mansion, and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

This movie follows a common theme found in male-written revenge stories, often involving female characters. In this film and another recent action movie, women tend to serve as victims who either get kidnapped or die. In The Amateur, Sarah’s character fulfills both of these roles. Although her death moves the plot forward, the repetitive trope can make the movie feel predictable and slip into familiar clichés at times.

To put it simply, this film proudly sticks to its genre’s traditional elements. You’ll find thrilling chase scenes through tight passageways, and authorities hot on our protagonist’s trail as he evades capture. It doesn’t aim to astound with unprecedented twists. Instead, it excels in the artful delivery of familiar storylines. In this aspect, the movie certainly lives up to expectations.

Occasionally, the movie strays from realistic development. The transformation of Charles from a desk-bound cryptographer into an effective field operative occurs swiftly, with less focus given to his training process. However, despite relying on certain action-movie shortcuts, the film consistently maintains Charles’s character. He doesn’t metamorphose into Jason Bourne. Instead, he triumphs through strategy, quick wit, and technical expertise rather than raw power. As a hero who relies more on brains than brawn, he is more likely to hack systems or create diversions than to win physical fights. This unique approach keeps the narrative engaging.

In terms of visual style, the film opts for a subdued, realistic feel instead of flashy effects. Every scene carries an authentic sense of peril, be it a calm dialogue or a covert operation in an unfamiliar urban environment under constant surveillance. The action is taut and suspenseful, built on precise editing and clear geography rather than elaborate staging. Essentially, this spy film prioritizes tension over grandeur.

In this movie, the script isn’t flawless; Jon Bernthal has a minor part that could have been omitted without much loss. This section consumes some screen time, yet it seems insignificant in relation to Charles’s journey. On the other hand, Rami Malek delivers an exceptional performance that binds the film together. He injects a deep intensity into Charles that even the more predictable scenes become heartfelt. Ultimately, “The Amateur” is effective because it maintains simplicity. It narrates the tale of a man pushed to perform unimaginable acts due to love and sorrow, without adding unnecessary layers. The movie doesn’t aim to overhaul the genre; instead, it pays homage to it by presenting a narrative that appears genuine and emotionally impactful.

Although The Amateur may not create a lasting impression as a pioneer in the spy thriller genre, it’s a well-performed, intelligently produced film that values its viewers. It delivers the straightforward, fulfilling narrative that can sometimes be overshadowed in contemporary action movies. In an era filled with superhero extravagance and excessive visual flair, its understated approach is refreshing.

SCORE: 7/10

According to the review guidelines at ComingSoon, a score of 7 means “Good.” This suggests an enjoyable piece of entertainment that’s generally worth watching, though it might not resonate with everyone.

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2025-04-08 19:10