REVIEW: “The Amateur” Is a High-Stakes Thriller That Keeps You Guessing — Sometimes a Little Too Much

The Amateur

We caught an early screening of The Amateur on April 7, and let’s say — buckle up. This espionage thriller from 20th Century Studios delivers a pulse-pounding ride that’s gritty, unpredictable, and filled with just enough chaos to keep you scanning every frame for answers. Whether that’s a strength or a shortcoming? Depends on how much work you like to do as a viewer.

Starring Oscar® winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) as Charlie Heller, a brilliant yet emotionally stunted CIA codebreaker turned rogue avenger, The Amateur wastes no time setting the stakes. When Heller’s wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, and the agency bureaucracy refuses to act, he goes full vigilante — not with guns blazing, but with brainpower as his primary weapon. Think less Jason Bourne, more a tortured genius with a kill list and a passport.

Director James Hawes (Slow Horses) leans hard into the cat-and-mouse pacing, sending Malek’s character on a globe-hopping manhunt with cryptic messages, double-crosses, and the occasional moral crisis. Laurence Fishburne brings gravitas to every scene he’s in (no surprise there), and supporting players like Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, and Jon Bernthal round out the ensemble with just enough depth to make you wonder who’s actually pulling the strings.

Now, let’s talk story. The Amateur is packed with moving parts — some that click together like a perfectly assembled cipher and others that leave you scratching your head, filling in the blanks with guesswork. The film assumes its audience will follow the breadcrumbs but occasionally forgets to leave a few. As a result, you might find yourself whispering, “Wait, what just happened?” more than once.

That said, there’s no denying the intensity. The action sequences hit hard, the tension never lets up, and the emotional undercurrent — driven by Malek’s brooding performance — gives the film a raw, personal edge that sets it apart from more formulaic spy thrillers.

Bottom line: The Amateur is a brilliant, moody, adrenaline-fueled espionage ride that demands your attention — and your imagination. If you’re down for a little narrative heavy lifting, it’s worth the watch. Just don’t expect all the answers to be handed to you.

The Amateur opens nationwide on April 11, and early access screenings are now available wherever tickets are sold. Grab yours, and prepare to decode the chaos.

THAheadline Score (THAscore): 8.8/10