Rami Malek has always been great at playing characters trapped in their own heads. Whether it’s the paranoia of “Mr. Robot” or the obsessive genius in Bohemian Rhapsody, he knows how to make inner conflict riveting and exciting. In The Amateur, he brings that same quiet intensity — but while he’s fully locked in, the movie around him doesn’t always match his energy.
Charles Heller (Malek) is a CIA codebreaker whose life is turned upside down after direct contact with a terrorist attack. Instead of sticking to the code, he decides to take matters into his own hands. It’s that classic “smart guy turns vigilante” — think Nicolas Cage in The Rock. The problem is that this movie wants to be taken seriously, but it gets wild in ways that are distracting.
Strong points of ‘The Amateur’
The film has many positives, namely Malek carrying the emotional weight. He is portrayal of grief is subtle but effective — no over-the-top breakdowns, just quiet moments of pain that hit harder because they’re not forced. The film is at its best when it explores how that grief fuels his need for justice. There’s also an interesting dynamic between Heller and a grizzled operative named Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), who’s seen it all. Their dynamic adds some depth that hints at a more layered story the script doesn’t fully chase down.
But the moment Heller decides to become a field agent? That’s when the suspension of reality enters another dimension. A code-breaking genius without real-world or combat training becomes a mission-ready operative after a three-week masterclass? And not just capable — he’s breaking into secure sites, outsmarting killers, dodging bullets, and running missions like he’s been doing it for a decade.
‘The Amateur’ thuds where it should thrill
That’s why The Rock keeps coming to mind. That movie knew it was ridiculous and had fun with it. The Amateur tries to play it straight, making some more unbelievable moments land with a thud instead of a thrill.
The pacing doesn’t help, either. When the story builds tension or teases a deeper conspiracy, it cuts away to another chase, shootout, or tech montage. It wants to be a thoughtful revenge drama and a fast-paced spy flick, but can’t quite commit to either — and ends up feeling uneven because of it.
To be fair, the film isn’t without its moments. The action is slick, the international backdrops give it a polished feel, and the supporting cast holds their own, even if they don’t have much to work with. And again, Malek carries it. You believe his pain and his purpose — even if the situations he finds himself in start to defy logic.
Ultimately, The Amateur feels like a movie aimed at Mr. Robot meets Mission: Impossible but doesn’t stick the landing. It’s still watchable, and Malek fans will find something to appreciate.
The Amateur is available exclusively in theaters now.
