When his supervisors at the CIA refuse to take action after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a decoder takes matters into his own hands.
In “The Amateur,” Rami Malek delivers a compelling portrayal that elevates this revenge story beyond genre conventions, successfully redeeming himself after his lackluster performance as James Bond’s nemesis in 2021’s “No Time to Die.” His character, Charles Heller, works as a CIA code breaker whose world crumbles after terrorists kill his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), during an attack in London.
The plot kicks into high gear when Heller’s analytical skills reveal something sinister: his boss, CIA Deputy Director Alex Moore (Holt McCallany), has links to the attack through his covert operations network. This discovery leads to an unusual deal – Moore will provide combat training to help Heller hunt down his wife’s killers, or risk having his dark secrets exposed.
Military veteran Robert Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) takes on the task of transforming this desk-bound analyst into someone capable of revenge. One striking moment sees Henderson testing Heller’s commitment by making him press a gun against his own chest, starkly illustrating the gap between wanting revenge and being able to carry it out.
The story goes global as Heller uses his insider knowledge to dodge the very surveillance tools he helped develop. Along the way, he meets Inquiline Davies (Caitríona Balfe), an ex-KGB operative whose past mirrors his own loss. Their connection unfolds naturally, shown best in a tender scene that captures how shared trauma can create unexpected bonds without forcing romance.
Rather than following the usual path of transforming an everyday person into a ruthless killer, “The Amateur” takes a smarter approach. Heller stays true to his problem-solving nature, using his technical skills to create elaborate schemes rather than relying on brute force. This clever twist shows how someone might pursue vengeance while staying true to their core identity.
The film’s ending breaks from typical revenge thriller formulas, offering unexpected developments in its final stretch. By focusing on a cryptographer rather than a typical action hero, it brings fresh energy to the espionage genre, where tech experts usually play supporting roles at best.
Though the story wraps up conclusively, showing Heller’s complete character journey, it’s easy to imagine studio executives eyeing sequel potential. Still, “The Amateur” succeeds as a standalone meditation on loss, retribution, and the cost of seeking justice, proving that intelligent storytelling and emotional resonance can coexist in modern thrillers.
In Theaters and IMAX Friday, April 11th
