Rami Malek, renowned for his iconic performances, is turning heads in the new action thriller, The Amateur, where he plays a CIA cryptographer seeking revenge for his wife’s murder. Released on Friday, the film is directed by James Hawes and brings Malek into a role distinct from his previous endeavors. While the movie has received a 65 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 53 on Metacritic, it captivates audiences by portraying Malek as an unexpected action hero.
Adapted from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, the film marries elements reminiscent of Jason Bourne and The Da Vinci Code. Charlie Heller, played by Malek, is celebrated by critics as the “nerdy” yet endearingly competent protagonist. The cast also includes esteemed actors such as Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, and Julianne Nicholson, enhancing the film’s appeal.
Before his Oscar-winning portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, Malek gained acclaim for his Emmy-winning role as Elliot Alderson, a computer hacker in Mr. Robot. Thus, his portrayal of a cryptology expert in The Amateur feels like a natural progression of his acting journey.
Critics have shared diverse opinions on the film. Robbie Collin from the Daily Telegraph UK remarks, “A nerdy Rami Malek makes an unlikely action hero,” and highlights, “While the plot doesn’t astound, its unique qualities make The Amateur stand out.” Michael Ordoña from the San Francisco Chronicle adds that Charlie’s vulnerabilities make the film intriguing, stating, “It’s his limitations that elevate the story beyond a typical spy movie.”
Meanwhile, Empire Magazine’s Amon Warmann mentions the film’s measured pace: “This revenge flick exchanges fists for brains, yielding decent results.” He praises Fishburne’s portrayal of Henderson, noting the evolving dynamic with Charlie. Similarly, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter acknowledges the film’s cinematic value amidst generic streaming content.
Contrasting reviews surface from Owen Gleiberman of Variety, who describes the film’s adherence to standard tropes, yet acknowledges its watchability. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian expresses disappointment in Malek’s performance during emotionally challenging scenes, describing them as “eccentric.”
Further critiques involve Alison Willmore from Vulture, who acknowledges Malek’s rigorous attempt to ground the film in reality, despite questioning his fit within Hollywood norms. Brian Tallerico from RogerEbert.com criticizes the film’s direction and cinematography, noting the film’s “gloomy” palette that keeps viewers detached from Heller’s plight.
Rated PG-13 for some strong violence and language, The Amateur runs for 123 minutes. This film offers a fresh take on the spy genre, inviting audiences to witness Rami Malek in a role distinctly different from his past, yet inherently suitable. With the film serving as both a visual and narrative experiment, its impact on audiences and Malek’s career will certainly be observed in the coming weeks.
