My quick rating – 6.8/10. The Amateur doesn’t set out to redefine the spy thriller genre, and that’s part of its quiet appeal. This is a throwback to the early 2000s era of espionage cinema—nerdier and refreshingly free of the hyper-stylized excess that often dominates modern action flix. It’s a story rooted in grief, personal resolve, and the emotional dissonance that comes when an ordinary man is thrust into the world of covert operations.
Rami Malek stars as Charles Heller, a brilliant but socially withdrawn CIA codebreaker whose life shatters when his wife is killed in a terrorist bombing in London. When his pleas for justice are met with bureaucratic indifference, Heller decides to take matters into his own hands. But rather than transforming into an action hero overnight, the film takes a more realistic route, exploring the psychological weight that comes with the decision to kill. Heller may want revenge, but that doesn’t make him capable or prepared to carry it out.
This internal struggle gives the film its strongest moments. There’s no glorified transformation montage. Instead, Malek brings a restrained determination to the role, portraying a man who’s deeply intelligent but emotionally out of his depth. It’s a subtle performance that helps anchor the film’s more action-heavy stretches. Laurence Fishburne is excellent as Henderson, the seasoned operative brought in to train Heller. His presence adds dignity without overshadowing the film, and the chemistry between the two actors creates a dynamic that’s more mentor-pupil than buddy-cop.
Jon Bernthal shows up as “The Bear,” a quiet, menacing force on the periphery of the plot. It’s a more muted performance compared to his recent outing in The Accountant², but it works. Rather than chewing scenery, Bernthal plays it controlled and intelligent, adding an air of unpredictability to the third act.
The plot itself is simple and efficient: find the people responsible and make them pay. There’s some globe-trotting along the way—London, Berlin, Prague—offering a nice visual variety without overindulging in postcard moments. The action is gritty and unpolished, in line with the film’s theme that ordinary people don’t become operatives just by picking up a gun.
While the story doesn’t throw in many twists or deep layers, the pacing is solid. It neither rushes nor drags, and the finale sticks the landing with a conclusion that feels emotionally earned. There’s a quiet satisfaction in how things resolve. Not dramatic, not bombastic, just… right.
The Amateur isn’t a game-changer, but it’s a well-made, no-frills spy flick that respects its audience. It understands its own limitations and turns them into strengths. It may not linger in the memory for long, but for fans of grounded thrillers, it’s a pleasant and worthwhile surprise.
Amazon, along with a few other streamers have this one to check out (theater pricing).