First reactions land for Slow Horses director’s “gripping” new spy thriller

The upcoming film, dubbed as “The Amateur,” is generating its initial responses before hitting the big screen on Friday. Critics have described it as a “tense” and “engrossing” spy thriller.

Under the direction of James Hawes, who was responsible for every episode in the inaugural season of “Slow Horses”, comes the series “The Amateur”. In this production, Rami Malek takes on the role of a reticent CIA codebreaker named Charlie Heller.

After Heller’s wife gets tragically killed during a terrorist incident in London, he decides to take the initiative and personally investigate to find out who orchestrated the attack.

Alongside Malek in the cast are actress Catriona Balfe from Outlander, actor Laurence Fishburne known for The Matrix, as well as Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Holt McCallany.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve just got to share my thoughts on “The Amateur.” This flick has been making waves in the critical community, and I’m not surprised! Josh Blumenkranz raved about it being “gripping,” a term that perfectly captures the film’s tension. But what truly stole the show for me was Rami Malek’s outstanding lead performance. His acting skills were nothing short of extraordinary!

Blumenkranz stated: “In ‘The Amateur,’ Rami Malek delivers a captivating performance as an intelligent, determined character seeking revenge following his wife’s murder. The plot concept is intriguing, yet it moves at a leisurely pace. Malek’s intellectual portrayal is striking, while the cast is strong overall. However, the storyline can be a bit foreseeable.

Jonathan Sim stated: “The Amateur is a timeless, old-school spy thriller. Rami Malek delivers a stellar performance in a part where his character employs intelligence instead of physical strength. The plot revolves around an engaging tale of revenge that, while not completely avoidant, minimizes the use of the overused trope of the protagonist suffering from ‘Dead Wife Syndrome.’ #TheAmateur

In simpler terms, Shaurya Chawla stated that the movie is primarily a well-executed suspenseful thriller which kept him engaged until the end, due to Rami Malek’s outstanding performance, skillful direction, and entertaining action scenes. The film exhibits a traditional style and effectively tackles themes of sorrow and justice. It is commendable.

Critic Brandon Norwood commented: “I LOVE THE AMATEUR! This spycraft thriller doesn’t shy away from depicting the unintended consequences of revenge. Despite its serious undertone, it’s still exhilarating. I can’t wait to watch it again soon in @Dolby Cinema. Please make more like this!

Joe Hammerschmidt wrote that he found “The Amateur” generally enjoyable and amusing without causing much trouble, with an ending that only Malek could perfectly conclude. Yet, it’s effortless to envision another actor filling in for the lead role, adding even more unbounded energy to it. Overall, it does its job well.

Lastly, allow me to express my thoughts about “The Amateur” by James Hancock from Wrong Reel: This movie is skillfully crafted and presents a strong espionage narrative, yet it might not quite reach the heights of an extraordinary international spy thriller. Nonetheless, the acting talent is exceptional, making for a satisfying night at the cinema.

The Amateur is released in cinemas on April 11.

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2025-04-08 00:19