The Amateur follows Charlie Heller, a reclusive CIA cryptographer whose life is upended when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack. What begins as a quiet story of personal grief spirals into a slow-burning spy thriller, as Charlie unearths a conspiracy within his own agency and sets out on a global pursuit of revenge. With Rami Malek at the centre, the film explores what happens when a man built for silence steps into chaos. The first act grips tightly, showing how Charlie's intelligence becomes his weapon as he navigates the world of killers and cover-ups.
But while the setup and early tension promise a standout revenge tale, the film struggles with its pacing. At two hours, it loses momentum, and the quiet introspection that once felt compelling starts to drain the energy. The ending pulls back from real catharsis, favouring resolution over impact. Despite strong performances and clever sequences, The Amateur falls short of its potential. It's a decent thriller with smart ideas, but it never quite hits the emotional or action highs it seems to reach for.
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