Let’s be honest, the premise of “The Amateur” isn’t groundbreaking: Charlie’s wife is killed in a terrorist attack in London, and he sets out on a global mission to find those responsible. We’ve seen variations of this story before. This film offers something different, a distinct approach that worked.
If you’re going in expecting non-stop action, elaborate car chases, and constant fast paced tropes, you might be surprised. “The Amateur” isn’t that kind of thriller. It’s executed in a way that feels fresh and compelling, and frankly, I loved it.
The screenplay, adapted from a book, manages to avoid that sometimes clunky feeling you get when a literary work is translated to the screen. There weren’t moments that felt overtly “written.”
Before watching the actual film, the trailer left me a little confused. I found myself wondering how Rami Malek, an actor I think is one of the best dramatic actors, would embody this kind of Jason Bourne-esque character. The first fifteen minutes of the film cleared that up for me (and I’m grateful the trailer didn’t reveal too much).
Rami Malek’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal. He is, without a doubt, one of the finest actors working in Hollywood today, and this role felt like a genuine revelation within the spy thriller genre. While I enjoy many films in this category, “The Amateur” stands out because it’s not just a fun ride it’s a genuinely good movie with a ton of amazing acting sprinkled on top. I bought every single thing his character, Charlie, was selling. If you see this film for any reason, let it be to witness Malek’s exceptional talent.
Adding to the brilliance is Lawrence Fishburne, who is also fantastic. I don’t want to give too much away, but Malek and Fishburne on-screen chemistry is delightful.
Visually, the film is impressive. The various locations are beautifully captured, and there’s a compelling interplay of softness and grittiness in the cinematography that adds another layer to the storytelling.
“The Amateur” is directed by James Hawes, who is primarily known for his work in television. This initially gave me a moment of pause, as thrillers directed by those primarily in TV can sometimes feel a little less cinematic. However, Hawes has delivered a truly impressive film here. Please give this man more movies to direct!
“The Amateur” is worthy of it’s own franchise. I’m already hoping for a sequel and eager to see where Charlie’s character could evolve.
Dare I say, I’m giving “The Amateur” a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for a thriller that offers something a little different, anchored by an outstanding lead acting performance, go see “The Amateur”. You won’t be disappointed.
