The Amateur Review: A Concealed Prodigy

The Amateur is not as action-packed as other espionage thrillers, but its protagonist makes the film a considerably more engaging story.

Charlie is a highly regarded decoder at the CIA whose supreme technical intelligence is seen as an asset to the establishment. When his wife Sarah’s (Rachel Brosnahan, of Dead for a Dollar) life is taken while she’s traveling overseas, Charlie is determined to hunt down her savage killer and the clan behind the operation, regardless of having no prior field training. When he uncovers hidden secrets at the agency, he uses such information as leverage to blackmail his company. This bides him some time so that he can travel abroad and start taking care of business. From there, The Amateur becomes as much a tale of vigilantism as it is one of bringing about a grim reckoning.

Although the film offers no new perspective in terms of the themes explored in a typical espionage thriller, as a character, Charlie is one of the movie’s greatest strengths. Unlike other intelligence-centered thrillers where the protagonists are experts in combat, Charlie has a desk job and no accuracy or skill when it comes to firing a gun. Even he admits that he’s a terrible shot. His insufficient fighting skills create this underdog appeal with the audience from the outset, especially when we learn more about the circumstances surrounding Sarah’s death.

Though Malek takes a more subdued approach while portraying Charlie, this is one of his finest performances. His depiction of the character is grounded and realistic, and viewers get to experience Charlie grieving in real-time. This strengthens his emotional connection to the audience and deepens his authenticity. Yet, there’s still an air of mystery surrounding the character, which leaves a sense of intrigue and unpredictability. Viewers never know what tricks Charlie has up his sleeve. Instead of resorting to physical violence and weapons, he relies on intelligence, analytical thinking, and strategy, resulting in some unexpected surprises.

As Charlie is more methodical in his approach, viewers hoping for high-octane action sequences may be disappointed. Though The Amateur leans into the familiar features of an action-packed espionage thriller, they feel on a much lesser scale. This makes sense in the narrative, given that our protagonist isn’t equipped to take on elite combat operatives. However, the fact remains that this style may feel a bit underwhelming to some who are hoping for Bourne-level high-speed car chases but are instead presented with tepid set pieces. As a viewer, you also must suspend disbelief to enjoy the film, as, with time, the situations Charlie finds himself in become all the more far-fetched and implausible. 

Another gripe I have is that The Amateur’s marketing shows way too much of the movie in the trailer. There’s one memorable scene in the movie where CGI is masterfully crafted, and what is presented visually is incredibly lifelike and highly impressive. However, most of this scene is shown in the teaser. As the best set piece of the film, it would have been significantly more impactful if the audience had seen this moment during their initial watch as opposed to watching it in its entirety in the trailer.

It’s also a great shame that there are many fantastic supporting actors in The Amateur who don’t get that much screen time. Take, for example, Jon Bernthal and Michael Stuhlbarg, who make their mark, though their appearances are brief.

As I read back, I realize this review is sounding significantly more negative than positive, but there is still a lot to appreciate about The Amateur. For one, the film’s pacing is flawless, and the runtime is well utilized. Charlie’s resilience and determination is explored throughout the course of the movie, with viewers standing in his corner rooting for him. The buildup to each confrontation between Charlie and the perpetrators involved in Sarah’s death will also keep you on the edge of your seat and unable to look away.

Even though The Amateur is far from perfect, it’s still more entertaining than most espionage thrillers I have seen in recent years. This is due to Malek’s remarkable performance and the appeal of the film’s relatable protagonist. If you can get past some outlandish scenarios and embrace the thrill, The Amateur is a movie you can find value in due to its emotional depth.

The Amateur will be released in US theatres, in UK & Irish cinemas, and globally in theaters on April 11, 2025.