The Amateur, 2025 - ★★★½
Friday, April 11, 2025
As a fan of Rami Malek, I was quite excited to watch this film. I had hoped it would lean more towards the geeky side, with an emphasis on coding and hacking. However, it still proves to be an enjoyable action thriller.
One aspect that felt somewhat jarring, besides the plot holes along the way, was the character development. The protagonist transitions from a seemingly cowardly and fearful individual to a stone-cold killer who has conquered all his fears, which seems rushed. This transformation lacks the gradual progression that would make it more believable. Although the film attempts to convey that he isn’t inherently a killer, the rapid shift undermines that narrative.
I wish the movie had included more scenes and detailed moments to clearly illustrate the pivotal shifts in the character's perspective, actions, and behavior. Such additions could have significantly enriched the storytelling. Despite these flaws, the film stands above average for an action thriller, thanks to the consistent atmosphere and unique vibe throughout the whole movie.