Rami Malek steps into the world of espionage and vengeance in The Amateur, a gritty, slow-burning spy thriller that trades high-octane action for methodical tension.

While Malek’s character, Charlie Heller, isn’t your typical action hero, his transformation from CIA analyst to rogue operative makes for a compelling, if unconventional, journey.

A Revenge Story with a Twist 🕵️‍♂️💥

Charlie Heller is a codebreaker, not a fighter—a man who spends his days buried in intelligence reports rather than dodging bullets. But when his wife (Rachel Brosnahan) is murdered in a black-ops raid, Heller refuses to sit back. Instead, he blackmails his superiors, demanding the training and resources to hunt down her killers himself.

Enter Robert Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), a seasoned CIA specialist tasked with turning Heller into something resembling an assassin. But unlike Jason Bourne, Heller struggles with the basics, fumbling through break-ins and relying on YouTube tutorials to learn spycraft. His lack of experience makes for some unexpectedly humorous moments, but the film never loses its serious tone.

Action That Feels Real – and Painful 🔫💀

Unlike traditional spy thrillers, The Amateur avoids flashy fight choreography in favor of messy, realistic violence. Heller isn’t a trained killer—he’s an intelligent man forced into a brutal world, and his improvised attacks often feel desperate rather than precise.

One standout sequence sees Heller rigging a sky pool explosion to eliminate a target, proving that while he may not be a fighter, he’s dangerously resourceful. The film’s claustrophobic settings, from Marseille’s back alleys to Istanbul’s docks, heighten the tension, making every encounter feel intimate and unpredictable.

Does Malek Work as an Action Star? 🤔🎭

Malek’s quirky, detached energy makes him an unusual choice for a revenge thriller, but his outsider persona works surprisingly well. Heller isn’t a charismatic superspy—he’s a tormented, calculating man, and Malek leans into that cold intensity.

However, the film’s slow pacing and clinical approach may leave some viewers wanting more emotional depth. While The Amateur delivers tense moments, it lacks the pulse-pounding urgency of traditional action films.

Final Verdict: A Different Kind of Spy Thriller 🎬🔥

The Amateur isn’t your typical CIA revenge story—it’s a thoughtful, grounded take on what happens when an ordinary man steps into a world of violence. Malek’s unconventional performance, combined with gritty realism, makes for a unique, if divisive, entry in the spy genre.

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