Spy Thriller 'The Amateur' a Must Watch, Now Showing Nationwide

20^th Century Studios’ The Amateur, the newest spy thriller that redefines vengeance, is now showing in Philippine cinemas nationwide. Directed by James Hawes and based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel of the same name, this gripping film is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats with its thrilling mix of mind games, plot twists, and adrenaline-pumping sequences.

With a star-studded cast starring Academy Award winner Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, Danny Sapani, and the legendary Laurence Fishburne, The Amateur is packed with high-stakes drama, razor-sharp suspense, and a protagonist unlike any other.

CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller (played by Malek) is thrust into a world of violence and deception after his wife is killed. Unlike typical action heroes, Charlie isn’t a trained killer—he’s an expert in codes, surveillance, and digital warfare. With no combat skills, he must rely on his intellect, strategy, and technology to navigate this dangerous world. The question is: how far can one man go when all he has is his mind?

The Amateur breaks the mold of typical action films, with Charlie’s transformation driven by grief rather than physical prowess. Malek steps into uncharted territory as a man who uses intellect and nerve to outmaneuver professional killers. His journey isn’t just about revenge—it’s a personal and emotional discovery sparked by a brutal loss.

Malek notes, “The surprising answer (as to what I wanted to do next) was ‘an action film,’ but not just any action film. I wanted to do something that was elegant, sophisticated, smart, and from the point of view of someone who was underestimated.”

Director Hawes further explains, “Charlie’s quest for justice isn’t just about retribution—it’s about a man coming to terms with his grief and disillusionment with the institution he works for.” Malek adds, “Heller can’t pull the trigger, but he can do other things that are astounding.”