In modern cinema, a tired trope persists: protagonists who inexplicably overpower enemies despite obvious physical limitations. How often do we see a petite female lead dispatch men three times her size in hand-to-hand combat, with audiences expected to suspend disbelief entirely?

The Amateur, however, subverts this cliché to its advantage, delivering one of 2025’s better action thrillers by embracing its protagonist’s vulnerabilities rather than ignoring them. Rami Malek, the film’s star, is no traditional action hero. He lacks the swagger of Jean-Claude Van Damme, the quippy one-liners of Arnold Schwarzenegger, or the room-clearing bravado of Chuck Norris.

Yet, The Amateur leverages Malek’s everyman persona, crafting a protagonist who’s the antithesis of a physically imposing threat. This self-awareness elevates the film, making it a refreshing entry in the espionage thriller genre. The story centers on Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer shattered by the brutal murder of his wife during a botched mission. Watching footage of her final moments breaks him, and his fury intensifies when he discovers the CIA’s reluctance to pursue her killers.

Determined to seek justice himself, Charlie demands training, only to realize he’s no stone-cold assassin, despite the rage fueling him. Instead of giving up, he leans into his greatest asset: his intelligence. Defying the CIA, Charlie uses his cryptographic skills and knack for elaborate traps to hunt down those responsible, one by one. The catch? His actions risk exposing CIA secrets, turning him from hunter to hunted.

A loose remake of a 1981 film, The Amateur evokes the gritty intensity of a Jason Bourne movie, but with a protagonist bound by physical limitations. Its global filming locations—spanning bustling cities and remote hideouts—lend an authentic espionage vibe, immersing audiences in a high-stakes world of intrigue.

The plot is straightforward: a man obsessed with avenging his wife’s death risks everything to ensure her killers face justice. Malek’s nuanced performance captures Charlie’s desperation and determination, making his quest feel personal and urgent. The supporting cast, including Jon Bernthal, delivers solid performances, though some characters feel underdeveloped.

Bernthal’s role, in particular, seems truncated, as if key scenes were left on the cutting room floor to trim the runtime. This lack of depth in secondary characters is one of the film’s weaker points, leaving certain plot threads—like the CIA’s internal politics—underexplored. Additionally, the story occasionally stretches believability, relying on last-second, buzzer-beating antics to advance the plot. While these moments keep the tension high, they highlight a need for tighter scripting to fully polish the narrative.

Despite these flaws, The Amateur excels as an action thriller. The action sequences are well-choreographed, balancing Charlie’s clever traps with visceral, grounded combat that reflects his non-superhuman status. Malek’s Charlie is smart enough to outwit his enemies yet naive enough to grapple with the consequences of his mission, creating a compelling dynamic.

The cinematography, with its sweeping shots of international locales, enhances the film’s scale, while the pacing keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The Amateur isn’t poised to launch a franchise, nor does it pretend to be more than it is. It’s a satisfying, self-contained thriller that delivers on its promise of entertainment.

A calculated man with nothing left to lose—driven by the memory of his loved one—proves a formidable force, and Malek’s portrayal makes Charlie’s journey resonate. The film’s high points outweigh its shortcomings, offering a refreshing take on the genre by prioritizing brains over brawn. In a year filled with formulaic blockbusters, The Amateur stands out for its willingness to embrace its protagonist’s limitations rather than gloss over them.

It’s not perfect—more time to flesh out supporting characters and refine the plot could have elevated it further—but it succeeds where it counts: delivering a thrilling, emotionally charged ride. For audiences craving a smart, character-driven action film, The Amateur is one of 2025’s highlights, proving that a hero doesn’t need muscles or one-liners to leave a mark.

3.5/5

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