The Amateur ~ To Be Released in the USA April 2025

“I want to find the people who killed my wife.” ~ Charles Heller

Rami Malek is an American actor of Egyptian heritage best known for his award-winning portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody (2018). In “The Amateur” he plays Charles Heller, a CIA cryptographer who wants revenge after his wife’s murder. She could be the victim or the specific target of a terrorist attack. No matter. He intends to face her killers and “do unto them” what they did to his wife.

This film is based on the novel of the same name written by Robert Littell, and published in 1981.

All those anticipating the release of this film have very high expectations because fans have come to expect nothing short of a powerhouse performance from Rami Malek, no matter what role he plays.

STORYLINE: Set in the 1980s. In “The Amateur”, Charles Heller (played by Rami Malek), possesses exceptional skills when it comes to computers and technology. But he’s a decoder who has always worked a desk job for the CIA in a basement office. So he needs specific training to work as a field agent. He would like to transform himself into a ruthless killing machine. But he will use his brain instead of brawn to capture the enemy. Laurence Fishburne plays his CIA instructor who provides the training he needs to accomplish his mission. (Hey! If he can train Neo, he can train Charlie.*)

  • CAST: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Bernthal, Rachel Brosnahan,
  • GENRE: Thriller, Action, Spy/Espionage, Revenge
  • FILMING LOCATIONS: London, England; France; and Turkey

{*Reference to Morpheus, Laurence Fishburne’s character in “The Matrix” who provided guidance, training, and assistance to Neo, “The One,” the prophesied savior (played by Keanu Reeves).}

LINKS OF INTEREST:

Everything You Need to Know About The Amateur Movie (2025) | Movie Insider

The Amateur (2025) Review | Rami Malek Redefines the Revenge Thriller | FilmFocus Review

Rami Malek and James Hawes Talk ‘The Amateur’ and Reimagining the Hero | The Hollywood Reporter

TRAILER/TEASER:

ONE Media. “THE AMATEUR Trailer (2025) Rami Malek, Jon Bernthal.” YouTube, 13 Nov. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNeAdP7Oknw.

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Featured Image Credit: By 20th Century Studios – https://dam.gettyimages.com/s/xf73tptbm7vmcwmxxzpkmf, Fair use, Link

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Avatar of Belles
Belles

Member

526 messages 10 likes

Rami Malek, known for his meticulous performances, is a perfect fit for a character like Charles Heller. His knack for portraying intense, cerebral roles adds depth to what could easily be a one-dimensional revenge plot. Laurence Fishburne’s involvement as Heller’s trainer intrigues me too. I imagine their dynamic will bring an interesting mentorship layer to the story. Revenge thrillers can often lean too heavily on action, but with a focus on Heller’s intellect rather than brute force, this could be a refreshing change.

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Avatar of Apollo
Apollo

New Member

455 messages 2 likes

Finally, a spy movie that's not all about gadgets and explosions! "The Amateur" sounds like it focuses on brains over brawn, with Malek using his smarts to take down the bad guys. Plus, Laurence Fishburne as his trainer? That's a guaranteed badass duo right there. Definitely keeping an eye out for this one.

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Avatar of Zump
Zump

Member

422 messages 5 likes

Ooh, revenge plot with a personal connection for the hero? That's always a recipe for suspense. "The Amateur" sounds like it could be a gripping thriller, with Malek on a desperate mission to find his wife's killers. Throw in some espionage elements, and you've got me curious.

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Avatar of Maw_Marcello
Maw_Marcello

Member

298 messages 16 likes

The 1980s backdrop alone excites me—such a rich era for espionage stories. With Rami Malek taking the lead, I have no doubt the character of Charles Heller will be deeply compelling. The decision to focus on intellect over physicality is refreshing. Too many action films rely on flashy sequences and forget the emotional core. I can’t wait to see Malek and Fishburne’s chemistry, especially with Fishburne stepping into another wise mentor role.

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Avatar of Josie40
Josie40

I can do this

5 messages 0 likes

I’m thrilled to see The Amateur finally adapted into a film. The book is a gripping mix of revenge and intelligence work, and it’s great to hear that the movie emphasizes brains over brawn. Rami Malek feels like a natural choice to embody Charles Heller’s quiet intensity. I hope the film does justice to Robert Littell’s original story and captures the moral ambiguity that made the book so memorable.

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Avatar of Seb
Seb

New Member

99 messages 0 likes

Wait, Rami Malek is playing a CIA agent now? Intriguing! I haven't seen him in anything like that before. Plus, the whole revenge story sounds pretty emotional. Might be a good date night movie, as long as it's not too gory. Gotta check out the trailer to see the vibe.

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Avatar of Hyuga
Hyuga

Live free

26 messages 0 likes

1980s CIA thriller? Now that's something I don't see every day. "The Amateur" sounds like it might capture some of that Cold War tension, with a personal revenge story thrown in for good measure. Curious to see how they portray the technology and tactics of the era. Might be a good watch for a history lesson with some action on the side.

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Avatar of Crusherweight
Crusherweight

New Member

25 messages 1 like

I’m not usually into revenge thrillers, but the cast has me intrigued. Rami Malek and Laurence Fishburne? That’s enough to get me to the theater. I’m curious to see how they handle the 1980s setting—will it just be a backdrop, or will it actually shape the story?

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Avatar of exklusivtnescafe
exklusivtnescafe

Sleepy Coffee

164 messages 3 likes

Sooo this like "John Wick" but with a brainier protagonist? "The Amateur" sounds right up my alley if it delivers that kind of action with a more strategic twist. Plus, Rami Malek is definitely no Keanu Reeves, but he brings his own intensity to the table. Gotta see the trailer to get a feel for the overall tone.

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