“The Amateur” (2025) starring Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne / Z-View

The Amateur (2025)

Director:  James Hawes

Screenplay: Ken Nolan, Gary Spinelli; based on THE AMATEUR by Robert Littell

Stars: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Evan Milton, Nick Mills, Adrian Martinez, David Mills, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Joseph Millson, Marc Rissmann, Danny Sapani and Jon Bernthal.

Tagline: Don’t underestimate him.

The Plot…

Charlie Heller is a small, mild-mannered C.I.A. analyst.  Charlie’s wife is killed by terrorists. Her murder was totally random and in no way related to Charlie’s job.  Charlie is devastated.

Then he comes up with a plan.

Charlie wants to be trained as a C.I.A. operative.  Specifically a hit man. Once Charlie is trained he plans to kill every terrorist involved in his wife’s execution.  Charlie’s bosses at the company don’t think that Charlie could ever be prepared enough.  He lacks the killer instinct.

They’re are severely underestimating him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Robert Littell is a journalist and novelist.  He wrote the screenplay for The Amateur which was made into the 1981 film starring John Savage.  Littell then adapted his screenplay into a novel. The 2025 is based on both.

In most films where the star’s wife/girlfriend is killed, the main emotion is anger.  Here we get a true feeling of sadness and despair.

Rami Malek is excellent.  He is supported by very talented co-stars that include Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Holt McCallany, Danny Sapani and Jon Bernthal.  Kudos also to director James Hawes.

The Amateur is one of my favorite movies of the year.

The Amateur (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars