Stanisland Magazine

Director James Hawes leads new espionage thriller set to rival as a strong alternative to Disney’s comic book adaptations.

Considering the typically low standards of current espionage movies, it was only a matter of time before something of quality emerged.

Rami Malek’s long-standing and varied career in film is well-established. His new feature, The Amateur, places him in a revenge plot set in a world he knows like the back of his hand.

What’s The Plot?

Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Littell, it follows Chris Heller (Malek), a CIA cryptographer whose handlers describe as someone unable to “beat a nun in an arm wrestling match.” This sets up the protagonist as an unpredictable force—the smartest guy in the room turned assassin.

RELATED NEWS: Really? We’re Being Force-Fed Another Boring Alien: Romulus Sequel?

While travelling in London, his wife is killed in a terrorist attack, leaving Heller in despair. Frustrated by the inaction of his superiors he decides to take matters into his own hands, seeking out a veteran to train him (played by Laurence Fishburne).

The agency, startled by his newfound autonomy, scrambles to track him down across a digital landscape of systems he can manipulate to his advantage.

Reaction

Many have been quick to compare it to the Jason Bourne saga, while others have highlighted its similarities to the TV series Mr Robot. As a fan of the genre myself, I feel like this is one to watch, and considering it is touted for a cinematic release, there is proof of quality. For any studio to invest their resources into the a theatre promotion is a good sign they’re confident in the work.

The trailer has already garnered significant praise, with movie buffs and aficionados cooing over what to expect. One user commented, “Mr Robot trained by Morpheus and Punisher? I’m in” while another said, “I’d watch anything with Rami Malek on it. He always has something new to bring to the table.”

Malek’s acting range has often been criticised for lacking depth, remaining within a zone of rigid tonality. But here, he accentuates a different side whilst remaining within a personality we are familiar with.

Based on the trailer, it looks like we’re set for a high-octane ride, wedged between a cat-and-mouse quest to stop the protagonist as he seeks vengeance for the death of his wife. Filled with explosions, stunts and tense dialogue, it is definitely one to look forward to, and the comparisons with the Bourne saga are warranted, which means it could be one to look forward to for fans of the series.

Who’s Starring in The Film?

The film stars Malek, Holt McCallany, Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal (The Punisher) and Takehiro Hira. The remaining cast members are less high-profile, which could make the feature more compelling due to its casting neutrality.

The film is directed by James Hawes, who’s known for productions such as One Life and the television series Slow Horses. Its production company Hutch Parker Entertainment is behind such films as Logan (2017).

Release Date and Where To See It

The Amateur is slated for a theatrical release on 11 April 2025. Its distributor, 20th Century Fox, delayed the initial premiere, which was originally set for this month.