Source All of the images in this post were taken directly from the film.
In the midst of all the busyness and stress, I started watching movies again to ease the tension. And sometimes, whenever I watch action or war films, I catch myself falling into an old bad habit: imagining how easily people on screen shoot, injure, or kill—as if it’s all just quick reflexes and dramatic sound effects. But those thoughts completely crumbled the moment I sat down to watch The Amateur (2025). Pulling a trigger isn’t easy—and not everyone can do it.
At first, I didn’t have high expectations. I mean, it’s a spy-action movie, right? You expect guns, car chases, and explosions. But The Amateur turned out to be something else entirely. The main character, Charles “Charlie” Heller (played by Rami Malek), is a CIA cryptographer with a 170 IQ, living a peaceful life behind a desk. No weapons, no combat training. But when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack in London, his world falls apart.
What drew me in was how Charlie didn’t instantly turn into a “killing machine.” He stayed nerdy, anxious, even scared when sneaking around or holding a gun. And that’s exactly what made his character feel real. You could feel his fear and frustration—especially when his own superiors tried to cover up the details of his wife’s death. That’s where his transformation begins—not into a typical Hollywood hero, but into a desperate man with a sharp mind and deep resentment.
I think Rami Malek was phenomenal in this role. His performance was cold, but there was always a fire simmering beneath the surface. Not overacted, but just right. You could see his emotional shift—hesitant, then angry, then cold, then reckless. Throughout the film, I kept thinking, “Damn, this isn’t about how good you are at blowing things up. It’s about how strong you are to survive the wounds no one can see.”
The supporting characters were also intriguing, like Colonel Henderson (played by Laurence Fishburne), who briefly becomes his mentor, or Jon Bernthal, who appears occasionally but doesn’t leave much of an impact. Plot-wise, some parts were slow. I’ll admit, there were moments I checked my phone due to too much bureaucratic dialogue and tangled political intrigue. Still, the emotional weight and moral depth kept me engaged.
Morally, this film opened my eyes. We often enjoy watching revenge unfold on screen, feeling satisfied. But this film made me realize: killing isn’t about skill—it’s about the burden. And revenge isn't a triumph—it’s an open wound.
If you’re looking for explosions and car chases, this might not be the film for you. But if you want a more realistic, emotional story about how an ordinary man is forced to change because of loss, The Amateur is worth your time.
This movie made me realize—revenge isn’t just about who gets shot. It’s about who’s left behind to carry the weight of it all.
Thank you for reading this far into my article. Hopefully, there is something you can get from what I have shared.
