‘The Amateur’ Movie Review: Rami Malek Shines
The Oscar-winning actor delivers a performance in this action-thriller that feels tailor-made for him.
In director James Hawes’ The Amateur, Rami Malek plays a CIA codebreaker who is devastated to learn that his wife (Rachel Brosnahan) was killed in a terrorist attack in London. Driven by grief, he embarks on a personal mission to bring the perpetrators to justice. Rather than relying on brute force, he uses his intellect and decoding skills to outwit his enemies. The film is packed with suspense and thrills from beginning to end, leaving viewers eager to see what unpredictable and brilliant role Malek will take on next.
The supporting cast features standout names like Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Bernthal, among others. Laurence Fishburne and Rachel Brosnahan, in particular, deliver memorable performances. Fishburne plays the trainer assigned to prepare Rami Malek’s character, only to discover that he’s untrainable—unable to even fire a gun. What he doesn’t realize is that all Rami’s character needed was the location, using the training as a cover for his own secret plan. While Jon Bernthal’s limited screen time was slightly disappointing, he made every moment count. Rachel Brosnahan, despite her brief appearances, leaves a lasting impression. Her character is used cleverly throughout the film to highlight the emotional core of Rami’s mission, allowing the audience to connect deeply with his grief and determination.
The title The Amateur is nothing short of brilliant (if not entirely too much on the nose), perfectly capturing why Malek’s character earns that label. Though he lacks combat skills and can't even fire a weapon, he uses his sharp intellect to devise alternative, non-physical methods to take down the men—methods that feel both clever and familiar to seasoned action film fans. But what sets this film apart is how far he goes knowing that the CIA is monitoring him due to the mission being unauthorized. What he does to mislead them is one of the smartest strategic moves I’ve seen in any action film, adding another layer of brilliance to an already gripping story.
From its opening scene to its conclusion, The Amateur feels like two entirely different stories seamlessly woven together, highlighting the transformation of Rami Malek’s character. His journey is one of resilience, driven by an unwavering love for his wife—even with the painful understanding that nothing he does can bring her back. Malek delivers a pitch-perfect performance, fully embodying the role, and the supporting cast complements him well. That said, there are several supporting characters, such as Bernthal’s, who feels somewhat underdeveloped, leaving his purpose in the story a bit unclear. Still, The Amateur is a gripping, suspense-filled ride that keeps you on edge throughout—a must-watch for any action fan.