Malek gives an eccentric performance as a nerdy agent who wants his superior Laurence Fishburne to retrain him as an assassin

In the latest release, 'The Amateur', we witness Rami Malek’s eccentric portrayal of Charlie Heller, a desk-bound cryptographer thrust into the world of international espionage after the tragic murder of his wife. This revenge thriller, directed by James Hawes and based on Robert Littell's novel, offers a refreshing take on the genre by placing an unlikely hero at its center—a man who is neither a trained assassin nor particularly adept with firearms. While the film initially captures the nuances of Charlie's naïveté and inexperience during his training with the grizzled colonel Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), it quickly shifts gears as he becomes a hypercompetent killer. This transition, however, feels rushed and undermines the reality of character development. The narrative structure follows expected revenge thriller tropes, providing emotional stakes but failing to deeply engage with its themes of government accountability and personal transformation. Despite moments of intrigue—especially in Charlie's clever traps for his targets—the story ultimately flattens out, leading to an implausible and too neat conclusion. Malek’s performance is commendable, portraying a relatable and earnest hero, yet the film struggles under its uneven pacing and script. Supporting characters, such as those played by Jon Bernthal and Caitriona Balfe, are left underdeveloped, missing opportunities for richer interactions. For a film that delves into the moral complexities surrounding revenge and governmental secrecy, 'The Amateur' shies away from deeper storytelling, leaving viewers with an experience that's more surface-level than satisfying. Critics have pointed out that while the movie aspires to explore significant themes, it often falters in execution, resulting in a missed opportunity for something genuinely groundbreaking in the thriller genre. The visual aesthetic, described as dreary and bland, further detracts from the character-driven narrative. Overall, 'The Amateur' appears to skim the surface of what works in successful spy thrillers without fully committing to its core narrative, leading to a disjointed viewing experience overall. Rami Malek shines amidst the inconsistencies of the plot, delivering a performance that is at once charming and deeply flawed, mirroring the film's own journey.