The thriller The Amateur, starring Rami Malek, aims to be an intellectual alternative to spy action films. Instead of brawls, there are hacks; instead of fists, there are codes. But can a hero devoid of charisma and emotion carry the entire plot with just his IQ? Let’s find out.
The Amateur: A Hero Lacking Sympathy
The story follows Charlie, a cryptographer from the CIA who loses his wife and seeks revenge in his own way. Rather than using weapons, he uses his brain: blackmail, hacking secret data, ciphers, and logic. It all sounds like a fresh approach — if it weren’t for one “but.” The hero is hard to like. He’s cold, ruthless, seeking vengeance without an ounce of regret, and yet doesn’t want to get his hands dirty — though blowing people up from a distance doesn’t bother him.
At some point, the audience loses trust in him. Charlie becomes a revenge machine, with morals that work selectively. He seems principled, but in a forced way. Even when he’s on the verge of failure, there’s no real tension — he feels invincible, like a character from a cheap action flick.
Should You Watch The Amateur?
The Amateur isn’t terrible, but it’s far from outstanding. It has an interesting concept but weak execution. At times, it’s boring, at others, it feels forced. Malek tries, but even his signature tone can’t save a character who desperately lacks humanity.
