The Amateur (2025)

Release Date: April 11, 2025
Director: James Hawes
Starring: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg

The Plot: Revenge Through the Lens

I’ve been making a real effort recently to hit the cinema more, catch up on some films, and get new reviews out there. So, when I saw the trailer for The Amateur, I knew I had to check it out. Thrillers are right up my alley, and this one looked like it had just the right mix of suspense and action. Rami Malek leads as Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer who embarks on a personal quest for revenge after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. Denied justice by the agency, he takes matters into his own hands, blackmailing the CIA to train him for fieldwork.

Charlie’s quest for vengeance takes him across Europe, using his sharp intellect rather than brute force to outsmart his enemies. He tracks the people responsible for his wife’s death, and his methods are as unconventional as they are clever. The film’s pacing is deliberate, with the focus on Charlie’s methodical approach to his mission, which gives it a slow-burn intensity. If you’re a fan of thrillers that don’t rely on non-stop action and instead draw you in through cerebral tension and high-stakes strategy, this one should hit the spot.

The Cast: Malek’s Quiet Intensity and Fishburne’s Steady Performance

Rami Malek, as always, delivers a stellar performance. His portrayal of Charlie is restrained but intense, a character whose mind is his greatest weapon. Malek plays the role of a man whose grief and need for justice transform him into a meticulous, calculating figure. He’s not the typical action hero, and it’s refreshing to see him bring that cerebral edge to a thriller like this. You never get the sense that Charlie’s a brute force kind of guy. Instead, his skills lie in outthinking and outmaneuvering his enemies, which makes the film all the more compelling.

As for Laurence Fishburne, well, what can I say? The man is a pro. His portrayal of Colonel Henderson is exactly what you'd expect from someone with his caliber of acting. He doesn’t overact or steal the spotlight, which is why his performance feels so solid. Fishburne brings a grounded presence to the film, which is essential in a movie that often has its tension carried by its quieter moments. Henderson’s character isn’t the kind to make grand speeches or steal the show with flashy scenes, but Fishburne’s execution is spot-on. He’s the steadying force in a film full of high-strung emotion, and that’s something we’ve come to expect from him.

Jon Bernthal: A Disappointing Cameo

Now, let’s talk about Jon Bernthal. His cameo in The Amateur was one of the most perplexing and disappointing parts of the movie. He shows up right at the beginning, and then appears for a few seconds towards the end, and that’s it. His character has virtually no relevance to the story. I couldn’t help but feel like he was misused in the film. To be honest, I was shocked considering how heavily he was promoted as a key part of the movie. I was expecting something impactful, maybe a pivotal role, but his scenes felt entirely disconnected from the plot. It’s not that Bernthal’s performance was bad—far from it. It’s just that his presence in the movie was pointless, and it’s such a letdown because the film hyped his involvement so much.

Fans of Bernthal might find it especially jarring, as his absence from most of the film makes you wonder why he was even cast in the first place. It’s honestly one of the worst uses of a big-name actor in a movie that I’ve seen in recent memory. If you’re expecting a significant role for him, you might be just as disappointed as I was.

The Vibe: A Slow-Burn Thriller

The Amateur has a very different vibe than the usual high-octane thrillers. Director James Hawes goes for a slower, more cerebral approach. The film isn’t about fast car chases or explosive gunfights; instead, it focuses on strategy, intelligence, and psychological tension. This may not be for everyone, especially if you’re expecting a traditional action-packed ride.

While the pacing might frustrate some viewers, I actually appreciated the quieter moments and the character-driven plot. This movie allows you to sink into the atmosphere and really follow Charlie’s journey as he meticulously plans each move. It’s a thriller that relies on the audience’s patience, rewarding those who enjoy the build-up rather than just the payoff. The cinematography was excellent—great framing of tense moments that draw you into Charlie’s mental chess game. There are plenty of moments where you can feel the weight of the decisions he’s making, and that’s what makes the film more than just a generic action flick.

The Ending: A Satisfying Conclusion, But Room for Improvement

The ending, without giving too much away, is a satisfying one for Charlie. He uses his intellect to pull off a major victory, tricking his enemies into crossing into Finland, where they face justice. It’s a smart move on his part, but I can’t help but feel that the film could’ve gone a bit further with the final moments. The build-up to the ending was great—Charlie’s strategy to outwit his enemies was brilliant, but I just wish the conclusion had hit a little harder. After spending two hours investing in the plot and Charlie’s quest for revenge, the payoff could have been slightly more dramatic.

It’s probably just me being picky, but after all that tension and meticulous buildup, the ending felt like it could’ve used just a bit more of a punch to leave a lasting impact. Still, the ending works well enough, and it does bring the story to a close in a way that feels earned.

Public Feedback: Divided Opinion

The reception of The Amateur has been a mixed bag. Critics have generally praised Rami Malek's performance, with many highlighting his ability to carry a film that might otherwise feel like a typical revenge thriller. His performance as a man whose mind is his weapon was lauded as one of the film’s strongest points. However, the pacing has received some criticism for being too slow for a thriller, and the plot has been described as somewhat predictable. The film holds a critic rating of 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the audience score is considerably lower at 17%, indicating a disconnect between critics and viewers (Rotten Tomatoes).

There’s also been some controversy surrounding Jon Bernthal’s cameo. Fans were expecting a more significant role, but his character’s lack of relevance to the story had many viewers scratching their heads. Social media lit up with comments about how the promotional materials had hyped up his involvement, only to leave audiences disappointed. That’s one of the main points of contention with the film, and it's been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. A lot of people are wondering why such a well-known actor was used in such a minimal and unnecessary role.

Final Thoughts: A Thoughtful, If Flawed, Thriller

Overall, I really enjoyed The Amateur. It’s a different kind of thriller—one that values intelligence and psychological manipulation over physical confrontation. While it has its flaws, including the disappointing cameo by Jon Bernthal and a slightly underwhelming ending, I still think it’s worth checking out. If you're into thrillers with a cerebral edge, this is a solid watch.

The film is definitely carried by Malek’s performance, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a solid 8/10 for me. If you’re in the mood for a slower-paced, thoughtful thriller, this one’s worth your time. It’s not the kind of movie that you’ll forget right away, even if the ending didn’t leave as big an impact as it could have.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(8/10)

It’s a great movie, but I can’t help but wish for just a little more, especially after all that buildup.