The Amateur (2025) – A Cerebral Spy Thriller That Hits the Mark

2 min read

Jun 17, 2025

Home Theater Tips

🎯 The Amateur (2025) – A Cerebral Spy Thriller That Hits the Mark

Now available on Blu‑Ray Cinema!

Why “The Amateur” Stands Out

Starring Oscar‑winner Rami Malek as CIA code‑breaker Charlie Heller, The Amateur offers a refreshing twist on the revenge‑spy genre. When Charlie’s wife is killed in a terrorist attack in London, he blackmails the CIA into giving him covert training to hunt down the killers himself

⚡ Plot Highlights & Performance

Adapted from Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, this 2025 version is steeped in gritty realism and global intrigue :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Charlie trades muscle for mindset—intelligence and cunning drive the film’s pulse :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Director James Hawes orchestrates standout moments like the rooftop‑pool climax—elevating the story beyond routine espionage tropes :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Cast & Creative Team

Alongside Malek, the film features strong supporting performances from Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal, and Caitríona Balfe :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Under the direction of James Hawes and screenplay by Ken Nolan & Gary Spinelli, the movie delivers tension with style.

🎬 Box Office & Audience Reception

The Amateur has been a steady performer, earning nearly $96 million worldwide on a $60 million budget :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Critics gave it a mixed reception (≈ 61% RT score), but audiences responded strongly with an impressive ~88% approval rating

🔍 What Reviews Say

Industry feedback is mixed but largely supportive:

“Rami Malek is a compellingly unconventional action hero in the otherwise formulaic The Amateur” (Rotten Tomatoes critic consensus)

Some found the tone overly clinical:

“An ordinary guy becomes an international murderer, and yet it has no heartbeat” (RogerEbert.com)

Still, most viewers laud the film’s sleek pacing and satisfying nods to Bourne‑style spycraft.

🔚 Sequel Potential?

The film’s ending teases more to come: Charlie eliminates three of four terrorists and exposes a corrupt CIA deputy—as confirmed by interviews with Malek, Fishburne, and Hawes :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. Fans of sharp, serialized espionage may find plenty to anticipate.