The Amateur – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Amateur – Decoder of Love, Spy and Revenge

As days go by, what becomes true is the heart for another.  That feeling will push a person down many paths of uncertainty, especially in revenge films.  From circumstance to context, stories of this genre weave within a throughline of pursuits.  For all the clichés that can be, if done right, it can be an intense ride.  In this review, I look at the latest spy/revenge tale to hit the big screen.  With a premise that blends familiar with multiple genres, we head on a journey that twist logic with heart.  The Amateur is nothing new, but it is a riveting tale that shows how far someone will go … for the one they love. 

When a tragedy comes to one man’s life, a CIA decoder will use all the tricks to find those responsible … and take revenge.  Going into any film, there is an intrigue that pulls you into situations that can feel real within the escape.  For a revenge tale, it is one that can weave through multiple genres, pulling at the heart while also showcasing different aspects of the world.  This film is built from a common premise, but maneuvers into elevated concepts familiar to spy/thrillers.  We begin with an introduction to our main character, Charlie Heller (Rami Malek).  We learn about his day-to-day as a CIA Decoder as well as his relationship with his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan).  After some general scenes of character building and spy-like elements, we come to the crux of the film: Heller learns his wife has been killed in a terrorist attack in London.  This news unravels Heller, leading him to use certain tactics (against the agency) to head off to Europe and track the individuals responsible for Sarah’s death.  This leads into a second act of a linear directive that mixes spy/thriller elements with personal characterized moments.  As a CIA decoder, what brings about the intensity is in this fact; Heller is not a field agent.  This provides a heightened awareness of each encounter, where his actual skills (as a CIA decoder) provide an intuitive spin to the revenge tale.  This provides a raw grip to a familiar journey, one that levels a personal touch in a web of conspiracy and truths. 

With each situation, Heller’s encounters provide a spin to the ‘rogue agent’ motif.  Each reveal adds context to something deeper in the CIA, adding that familiar trope of ‘double agents’ among the ranks.  These archetypes don’t take away from the film because of the genuine connection Heller has with certain individuals in the agency, like Spec Ops agent The Bear (Jon Bernthal) and Cia Trainer/Field Agent Hendo (Laurence Fishburne).  These interactions, while one-dimensional, do provide subtle value to the ongoing revenge story.  As Heller’s quest reaches a certain crossroads, we head into a third act that builds up the suspense through raw conversations and emotional intrigue.  In a moment of choice, we come to a full circle climax and epilogue.  The Amateur is a spy/thriller that spins unique elements in the familiar.  If you are a fan of spy/thrillers or revenge tales, this is one for you.  I say there is enough here for a good time at the theaters.   

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)