When a film promises revenge, espionage, and a grieving protagonist taking justice into his own hands, you expect explosions, high-tech gadgets, and dramatic one-liners. Amateur (2024) sidesteps the flashiness and instead delivers a lean, grounded spy thriller that feels refreshingly old-school. Starring Rami Malek as a CIA decoder turned vigilante, this film doesn’t rewrite the genre—but it doesn’t need to.
The Story: A Man Pushed to the Edge
Malek plays a quiet, brilliant CIA cryptographer whose life shatters when his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack. When his own agency dismisses the incident as “collateral damage,” he goes rogue, using his skills to track down those responsible. The premise is straightforward, but the execution—raw, methodical, and devoid of Hollywood grandstanding—makes it compelling.
Unlike Jason Bourne or Mission: Impossible, Amateur avoids over-the-top action. Instead, it focuses on the weight of grief and the quiet fury of a man who’s been betrayed by the system he served. There’s no glamorous spycraft here—just a desperate, determined protagonist using his intellect rather than superhuman combat skills.
What Works (And What Doesn’t)
✅ Rami Malek’s Understated Performance – He’s not playing a typical action hero. His character is vulnerable, awkward, and fiercely intelligent, making his transformation into a vengeful force feel believable.
✅ Gritty, Realistic Tone – No glossy set pieces. The film’s strength lies in its simplicity, focusing on tension over spectacle.
❌ Predictable at Times – If you’ve seen revenge thrillers before, some beats won’t surprise you. But the journey is still engaging.
❌ Limited Scope – This isn’t a globe-hopping epic. The story stays tightly focused, which may disappoint those expecting a bigger scale.
OTT Release & Where to Watch
Mark your calendars—Amateur is hitting streaming soon! Here’s where you can catch it:
| OTT Platform | Release Date |
|---|---|
| Netflix | June 15, 2024 |
| Amazon Prime Video | June 18, 2024 |
| Apple TV+ | June 20, 2024 |
Final Verdict: A Surprising Gem for Spy Fans
Amateur won’t blow your mind, but it doesn’t try to. Instead, it offers a tight, well-acted thriller that respects its audience’s intelligence. If you miss the days of low-key, character-driven spy films (think Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy meets The Equalizer), this one’s worth your time.
Best For: Fans of slow-burn revenge stories, Rami Malek’s acting range, and films that prioritize mood over bombast.