The Amateur is a 2025 American action-thriller film directed by James Hawes and based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel of the same name. The screenplay was written by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli. The film stars Rami Malek, who also serves as a producer, alongside Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, Laurence Fishburne, and others. It was released in the United States by 20th Century Studios on April 11, 2025.
🎬 Film Overview
- Title: The Amateur
- Director: James Hawes
- Screenwriters: Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli
- Based on: The Amateur by Robert Littell
- Producers: Hutch Parker, Dan Wilson, Rami Malek, Joel B. Michaels
- Executive Producer: JJ Hook
- Production Companies: Hutch Parker Entertainment, Joel B. Michaels Productions
- Distributor: 20th Century Studios
- Runtime: 124 minutes
- Language: English
- Country: United States
- Budget: $60 million
- Box Office Gross: Approximately $95.5 million worldwide
🧠 Plot Synopsis
Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) is a brilliant but introverted CIA cryptographer working in a basement office at Langley. His life is turned upside down when his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), is killed in a terrorist attack in London. When his superiors refuse to take action, Charlie blackmails them into providing mission-specific training and embarks on a dangerous journey across the globe to track down those responsible. His intelligence becomes his ultimate weapon as he seeks revenge.
🎭 Cast
- Rami Malek as Charles “Charlie” Heller
- Rachel Brosnahan as Sarah Heller
- Laurence Fishburne as Robert “Hendo” Henderson
- Caitríona Balfe as Inquiline / Davies
- Michael Stuhlbarg as Horst Schiller
- Holt McCallany as CIA Deputy Director Alex Moore
- Julianne Nicholson as CIA Director Samantha O’Brien
- Jon Bernthal as Jackson O’Brien, a.k.a. The Bear
- Adrian Martinez as Carlos
- Danny Sapani as Caleb Horowitz
- Marc Rissmann as Mishka Blazhic
- Joseph Millson as Ellish
- Barbara Probst as Gretchen Frank
- Alice Hewkin as Ali Park
- Henry Garrett as Chief of Staff
Additionally, Marthe Keller, one of the stars of the 1981 film adaptation, makes a cameo appearance as a florist in Paris.
🎥 Production Details
- Filming Locations: Principal photography took place in London, with additional scenes shot in France and Turkey.
- Cinematography: Martin Ruhe
- Editing: Jonathan Amos
- Production Design: Maria Djurkovic
- Costume Design: Suzie Harman
🎵 Music
The film’s score was composed by Volker Bertelmann, known for his work on various international films.
📅 Release Information
- World Premiere: March 31, 2025, at Leicester Square in London
- U.S. Theatrical Release: April 11, 2025
- International Releases: Released in various countries including France, Germany, and Australia in April 2025.
💰 Box Office Performance
- Opening Weekend (U.S. & Canada): $14.8 million
- Domestic Gross: Approximately $40.6 million
- Worldwide Gross: Approximately $95.5 million
🌟 Critical Reception
The Amateur received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Rami Malek’s performance and the film’s action sequences, others felt the pacing and tonal consistency were lacking. The film holds a “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
🕵️♂️ Themes & Style
The film explores themes of revenge, personal transformation, and the moral complexities of vigilantism. Set against a backdrop of international espionage, it combines intense action with psychological depth, reflecting on the cost of vengeance and the transformation of an ordinary individual into an assassin.
The Amateur offers a modern take on the classic espionage thriller, delivering a story of personal loss and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.
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