Unpacking ‘The Amateur’: Why This Film Falls Flat on Predictability | InSession Film Review

Director: James Hawes
Writers: Ken Nolan, Gary Spinelli, Robert Littell
Stars: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal

Synopsis: After his wife is killed in a terrorist attack, a CIA decoder takes matters into his own hands when his superiors refuse to help.

In The Amateur, we meet Charlie Heller, played by Rami Malek. He works as a cryptanalyst at the CIA, decoding messages and cracking codes. Charlie enjoys his job, which is a stark contrast to his adventurous wife, Sarah, portrayed by Rachel Brosnahan. While Charlie is tied to his desk and developing computer vision syndrome, Sarah travels the world for work.

Everything changes when Sarah is killed in a London terrorist attack during a conference. Overwhelmed with guilt, Charlie regrets not having a meaningful conversation with her the day before. In a shocking twist, he discovers an illegal operation sanctioned by his boss, but when he seeks help, he hits a wall with his superiors.

What follows has some eyebrow-raising moments. Charlie decides to blackmail the CIA, leading to a crash course in undercover work. It’s hard to swallow, especially considering that the screenplay is adapted from Robert Littell’s novel. While the movie has plenty of action and suspense, the credibility sometimes falters.

This film marks the feature debut of James Hawes, who previously directed acclaimed TV shows. He sticks to the classic revenge thriller tropes, showcasing a protagonist who seeks retribution for his wife’s murder. The film’s dark and moody visuals, created by Martin Ruhe, contribute to the serious tone. However, some of the supporting characters, including roles by Jon Bernthal and Laurence Fishburne, feel underdeveloped.

To succeed, a film like this relies heavily on its lead. Malek brings an intriguing energy to his role with subtle expressions and quick movements that keep viewers engaged. He infuses his character with emotional depth, but some critics argue that his performance isn’t enough to keep the predictability of the plot at bay.

Interestingly, The Amateur draws some comparisons to the classic Bourne Identity series. Just as that franchise updated older themes, this film grapples with guilt and identity but lacks the same compelling nuances. Many viewers might find Malek’s portrayal to be a less dynamic version of the driven characters that have come to dominate modern thrillers.

Recent surveys indicate that audiences are craving more complex characters in action films. This demand stems from a trend toward deeper storytelling, where characters are not just vessels for plot progression. Fans of thrillers expect a gripping narrative, especially when following a character on a harrowing journey.

Despite its flaws, The Amateur has moments that can captivate an audience. Yet, it can feel too long, stretching the experience and losing some escapism. In an era where viewers have high expectations for character depth and an engaging storyline, this film leaves some wanting more.

For those interested, The Amateur hits theaters on April 11.

Grade: C

For more information, visit the IMDB page for The Amateur.

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