Director James Hawes’ latest film The Amateur offers a compelling if uneven blend of espionage and personal revenge, underscored by a cerebral lead performance from Rami Malek. Adapted from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel of the same name, the film brings a modern technological twist to the classic rogue-agent narrative but struggles under the weight of its own ambitions.
Malek stars as Charlie Heller, a brilliant but introverted CIA codebreaker whose quiet, insulated world is upended when his wife (played by Rachel Brosnahan) is killed in a London terrorist attack. When the CIA, despite having inside knowledge, chooses not to pursue the perpetrators, Heller takes matters into his own hands. Using his analytical prowess and intelligence training, he embarks on a globe-trotting mission of vengeance—evading the agency while tracking down those responsible for his wife’s death.
While the premise sets the stage for a gripping spy thriller, The Amateur is hampered by narrative excess. The film bears clear signs of its literary origin—not through intricate character development or multiple subplots, but in its attempt to pack in more than the screen can comfortably hold. Pacing issues emerge as a result, with certain side stories and scenes detracting from the momentum of the central plot.
That said, the film remains engaging. Hawes’ direction maintains a steady tone that leans more toward a methodical revenge story than high-octane espionage. Though the plot often stretches plausibility, it retains enough suspense and intrigue to keep audiences invested. A suspension of disbelief is certainly required, but the payoff is often entertaining.
Malek is a standout. As an unconventional protagonist—more brain than brawn—he lends credibility to a role that might have felt formulaic in less capable hands. His portrayal of a man fueled by grief and driven by intellect rather than brute force adds nuance to a film that sometimes veers toward predictability.
Despite its flaws—an unmemorable title, occasionally implausible plot turns, and an uneven narrative—The Amateur delivers just enough emotional heft and narrative tension to warrant a watch. It may not redefine the spy genre, but it brings something slightly different to the table, thanks in large part to its lead and its modern tech-driven twist.
