Rami Malek’s ‘The Amateur’ Is a Must-Watch

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Rami Malek is back in the realm of espionage with the film “The Amateur.” Directed by James Hawes, this thriller focuses on Charles Heller (Malek), a CIA analyst who sets out for revenge after his wife’s death during a terrorist attack in London. The story is adapted from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, but Hawes updates the plotline to suit contemporary times with the input of Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli as screenwriters. Notably, fans of the James Bond franchise will remember Malek from his role as bioterrorist Lyutsifer Safin in “No Time to Die,” opposite Daniel Craig as the iconic James Bond. In “The Amateur,” Malek takes center stage alongside actors like Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Bernthal, Holt McCallany, and others.

As a film aficionado, I must say that this movie echoes some qualities reminiscent of the iconic James Bond franchise, yet it carves its unique niche as a captivating spy thriller. Unlike the suave and charismatic 007, the character portrayed by Malek, Charles, presents a refreshing twist on the spy genre. Instead of gliding effortlessly into action, we witness a tech-savvy brain who stumbles his way into the thick of things, making it up as he goes along. The film may not be packed with high-octane action like a typical Bond flick, but Heller’s mission leans heavily on cutting-edge technology rather than death-defying stunts. This movie challenges traditional spy thriller norms, yet it doesn’t fail to deliver the heart-pounding excitement of watching someone find their footing to execute a vengeance-driven mission.

‘The Amateur‘ Doesn’t Avoid the Stereotypes

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In a shift from typical spy movie dynamics, the film maintains certain stereotypes. Egypt’s Malek embodies Charles Heller, a CIA analyst who leads an ordinary life with his wife Sarah (Brosnahan), enjoying domestic harmony until tragedy strikes in London – a terrorist attack that takes Sarah’s life. The authorities choose not to delve into the matter, effectively letting the terrorists go free. Despite recommendations from superiors such as Samantha O’Brien (Julianne Nicholson), the CIA director, Director Moore (McCallany), and his immediate superior Caleb (Danny Sapani) for a break, Charles resolutely declines.

Enraged, Charlie scours for any and all information about the attack, applying his analytical mind to uncover what transpired that fateful day and identify the culprits. Shocking discoveries await him, among them Moore’s role in the assault, which makes him a marked man by both the CIA and the terrorists due to his knowledge of their actions. The plot bears a resemblance to the Jason Bourne and James Bond franchises, yet The Amateur distinguishes itself from these films with certain unique aspects.

‘The Amateur‘ Brings the Spy Genre Back to the Digital Age

In contrast to typical spy movies, The Amateur shifts its focus from fast-paced action and instead delves into the realm of technology and its role in warfare. Discussions about technology often spark divided opinions; some view it as a boon while others perceive it as a threat. However, this film presents technology as an advantage, offering a unique perspective within the genre. While there are scenes featuring hand-to-hand combat, they do not dominate the narrative of espionage in today’s world. Instead, the exploration of technology remains at the heart of the storyline.

The movie showcases the current world’s technological progress and raises doubts about the role of artificial intelligence. It delves into digital tampering, crime scenes recreated in 3D, and voice analysis. It becomes quite relevant when you realize that these capabilities are not just fictional but can occur in our present-day society, with individuals crafting AI-generated content ranging from images to dialogues. If you’re looking for a fast-paced movie, this might not be your style, but the subject matter it discusses is equally captivating as watching an intense fight scene between two characters.

Is ‘The Amateur‘ the Next Spy Thriller Hit?

And Where Can You Watch ‘The Amateur‘?

As I sat down in the cinema, eagerly anticipating this latest addition to the spy genre, I must admit I was left somewhat divided. At first glance, the early Rotten Tomatoes ratings suggest a mixed bag – with critics giving it a 61%, while audiences have bestowed an impressive 88% approval rating at the time of my viewing.

It’s fascinating to observe that audiences seem to be more enamored by this film than the critics, but we shall see if the score changes post-global release. The spy genre, as we all know, is a delicate dance between maintaining a gripping narrative and delivering pulse-pounding action sequences – a balancing act that often results in one element taking precedence over the other.

Moreover, crafting a fresh and engaging spy thriller that leaves audiences yearning for more has become increasingly challenging, as we’ve all grown accustomed to the genre’s tropes and conventions. It will be intriguing to see if this film manages to break free from those shackles and offer something truly unique.

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2025-04-14 05:31