• Home
• The Amateur

Page

The Amateur

• Summary
• How to watch
• News & features

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Watch trailer

01:00

The Amateur

Save

• Thriller
• Action

• 2025
• James Hawes
• 122 mins
• 12

Summary

When his supervisors at the CIA refuse to take action after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a cryptographer takes matters into his own hands. Thriller, starring Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan and Jon Bernthal

Ad

Powered By

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 2 out of 5.

James Mottram

Rami Malek stars as a CIA cryptographer determined to take down his wife's killers in this disappointing action thriller. Malek plays Charles Heller, who keeps his head down at HQ in Langley, Virginia, until his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) is murdered during a terrorist attack in London. Desperate for revenge, Charlie petitions his bosses for mission-specific training and he's soon paired with a grizzled colonel (Laurence Fishburne), but Malek's mild-mannered techie doesn't possess the killer instinct. Based on Robert Littell's 1981 novel, the film really falters in the second half, as Charlie skips across Europe relying on his own specific skillset to eliminate his targets. Cursed with a poorly executed plot involving CIA corruption, good actors (Michael Stuhlbarg, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal) come and go, but neither they nor the watchable Malek can rescue this. Director James Hawes (One Life) marshals some explosive set-pieces, including one in a glass-bottomed swimming pool, but this is nowhere near as compelling as it could have been.

imdb-square

6.5/10

How to watch

Loading

Streaming

• Disney+
• Sky Store

Credits

Cast

rolenameCharles HellerRami MalekSchillerMichael StuhlbargHendersonLaurence FishburneSarahRachel BrosnahanThe BearJon BernthalDirector MooreHolt McCallanyDirector O'BrienJulianne NicholsonInquilineCaitríona Balfe

Show more

Crew

rolenameDirectorJames Hawes

Details

Theatrical distributor

Walt Disney

Released on

2025-04-11

Languages

English

Guidance

Violence, swearing

Formats

Colour

News & features about The Amateur

• 
  
  Rami Malek wanted The Amateur to be an 'evolution' of Mr Robot role
  
  You might notice some similarities between Elliot Alderson and Malek's latest character – but there are also some major differences.

• 
  
  The Amateur review: Spectacular set-pieces can't make up for a sub-standard script
  
  Rami Malek plays the unlikely hero in this patchy espionage drama.

  Ad

• 
  
  Meet the amateur chefs taking part in Britain's Best Home Cook
  
  Everything you need to know about the stars of Mary Berry and Claudia Winkleman's new BBC1 cookery show

• 
  
  Parks and Recreation's Rashida Jones to examine amateur porn industry in Netflix documentary
  
  “Netflix is the ideal partner for us; not only do they understand this film but they’re the perfect platform to reach the many people who need to see it”

• 
  
  MasterChef 2025 premiere overnight ratings confirm drop in viewers compared to last year
  
  The latest season debuted last night.

• 
  
  Outlander's Caitríona Balfe opens up on sadness at saying goodbye to Claire
  
  The star spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com while promoting her role in new action flick The Amateur.

• 
  
  MasterChef 2025 confirms second contestant edited out of the show "given recent events"
  
  The series is set to air its fifth episode tonight.

  Ad

• 
  
  The Great British Bake Off review: Nigella Lawson makes a strong debut in the tent ★★★★☆
  
  Like a well-loved recipe, Bake Off has gone through many tweaks and adjustments over the years. This latest formula – with the 66-year-old Domestic Goddess in the mix – proves every bit as delicious.

• 
  
  MasterChef opens applications for 2026 season after BBC announces airing plans for filmed episodes
  
  Details on who will replace John Torode and Gregg Wallace are yet to be confirmed.

• 
  
  BBC confirms unreleased MasterChef season with Gregg Wallace and John Torode will air – and reveals franchise will return
  
  It is yet to be decided if the celebrity series and Christmas special will air.

• 
  
  MasterChef 2025 will release multiple episodes early on BBC iPlayer after premiere date is confirmed
  
  Three episodes will air across the week of its release.

• 
  
  Stick cast: Full list of actors in Apple TV+ comedy
  
  Owen Wilson leads the cast of the heartwarming new sports comedy.

• 
  
  MasterChef 2025 edits out contestant after she wanted episodes to be scrapped
  
  The amateur cook had told show bosses the season shouldn't air.

• 
  
  Strictly Come Dancing professionals line-up: Meet the 2026 dancers
  
  Who's in and who's out?

• 
  
  Drop director explains why he changed Meghann Fahy's role in movie's ending
  
  Christopher Landon's latest film is the first he's directed from a script he didn't write – but he still had plenty of input into the film's narrative.

• 
  
  Who has won the most Australian Open titles? Most successful players ever
  
  Our full round-up of the most successful men and women to play in the Australian Open.

• 
  
  Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan's Murder Most Puzzling character 'isn't PC at all'
  
  "She wants a Bloody Mary for breakfast, so she has one, why not?"

• 
  
  Best films released in the UK this month: April 2025
  
  Highlights include The Amateur, Sinners and Warfare.

• 
  
  Star Wars confirms release date and title of new Ryan Gosling film
  
  The new film comes from the director of Deadpool & Wolverine, Shawn Levy.

• 
  
  Outlander and Killing Eve favourites join starry cast for new Sense and Sensibility film
  
  The new Sense and Sensibility movie has found its main cast.

• 
  
  Is A Good Girl's Guide to Murder returning for season 3?
  
  Here's everything we know so far about A Good Girl's Guide to Murder season 3, including when it could be released.

• 
  
  Thursday Murder Club star Daniel Mays breaks down excitement for "who's-who" all-star cast
  
  The adaptation of Richard Osman's novel is coming soon to Netflix.

• 
  
  BBC confirms "no plans to work with" Gregg Wallace following review – but no decision on unaired MasterChef episodes
  
  An investigation into the presenter's behaviour upheld more than half of the allegations against him.

• 
  
  Strictly fans praise Craig and Anton's Halloween costumes: "Greatest thing to ever happen in Strictly"
  
  The Shining reference none of us were expecting but are loving all the same.

See more about The Amateur

Ad

Ad

Ad