In the film ‘The Amateur,’ Rami Malek steps into the shoes of Charlie Heller, a soft-spoken CIA codebreaker confronted with personal tragedy. After a terrorist attack claims the life of his wife, Sarah, played by Rachel Brosnahan, Charlie’s life is catapulted into turmoil. Amidst the somber landscapes of London, this personal loss spurs him into action, propelling Malek’s character out of his cautious existence and into uncharted territories of personal vengeance.
Lauded as a blend of ‘Bourne’ through an IT lens, the movie follows Charlie’s clumsy navigation through fieldwork. Possessing neither the ability to shoot nor fight, he relies on wit and logic, often turning to laptops over firearms. This twist on the traditional revenge hero plot offers refreshing moments; however, it often fades into generic territory.
In one poignant scene, Charlie finds solace in Istanbul with the widow of a deceased spy. It is a momentary slowdown where the film breathes deeply, showcasing Malek’s ability to portray heavy grief. The simplicity and sincerity of this scene imply a deep motivation driven by love, not solely vengeance, an angle the film briefly explores but promptly abandons in favor of action-driven sequences.
Rami Malek brings his signature intensity to Charlie, yet the script occasionally hinders his deeper emotional exploration. One cold and calculated scene stands out where Malek’s character traps a terrorist in a medical pod, effectively flooding it with pollen. This chilling sequence underscores the methodical nature of Charlie’s quest for revenge – a journey more orchestrated than felt.
Directed by James Hawes, known for ‘Slow Horses’ and ‘Black Mirror,’ the film is directed with a steady hand and encompasses the sleek aesthetic of an international thriller. The ensemble cast, including Laurence Fishburne, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, and Holt McCallany, adds star power, yet remains underutilized. Their appearances feel transactional, akin to checkpoints within a narrative game rather than pivotal plot developments.
‘The Amateur’ aspires to delve into themes of love, loss, and transformation but often relinquishes these in favor of predictable plot twists that evoke more obligation than surprise. Charlie’s journey, while competent in its portrayal of an ordinary man’s extraordinary evolution, struggles to fully realize its emotional and narrative potential.
Ultimately, ‘The Amateur’ leaves viewers with a whisper rather than a roar. Its delivery, though polished and respectable, with Rami Malek’s performance carrying notable weight, does not fully meet the anticipations of a gripping thriller. The film’s promise of transformation and deeply-rooted emotional stakes remains partially fulfilled, leaving an indelible but muted impression on its audience.
