, featuring Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal, and Caitríona Balfe. A gripping espionage thriller about a CIA cryptographer seeking justice.){kind=link}
Directed by James Hawes.
The Amateur (2025), was released in U.S. theaters on April 11, 2025.
Distributed by 20th Century Studios.
Movie Review
The Amateur (2025), directed by James Hawes, follows CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), who is thrust into the field after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack.
Based on Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, the film combines classic spy thriller elements with Malek’s standout performance.
While the film excels in action and Malek’s portrayal of a vulnerable yet determined protagonist, the plot follows familiar tropes, making it somewhat predictable.
Laurence Fishburne’s role as Heller’s mentor adds depth, though some character arcs remain underdeveloped.
Overall, the film delivers solid entertainment but doesn’t break new ground in the genre.
Ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Google Audience Score: 91% liked this movie.
The Amateur (2025) Actors
Rami Malek as Charles “Charlie” Heller
DOB: May 12, 1981
Bio: An Emmy- and Oscar-winner, Malek broke out as the tortured hacker Elliot in Mr. Robot and cemented his star status portraying Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
Known for his transformative performances and intense preparation.
Role: Charlie Heller, a brilliant CIA cryptographer whose world is shattered when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack—driving him into the field for the very first time.
What to Expect: A fragile-meets-fearless turn, as Charlie’s analytical mind clashes with the brutal realities of espionage.
Favorite Things: Crafting layered characters; immersive research into real-world intelligence work.
Notable Works: Bohemian Rhapsody, Mr. Robot, No Time to Die.
Rachel Brosnahan as Sarah Heller
DOB: July 12, 1990
Bio: Best known as the titular star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Brosnahan combines sharp comic timing with emotional depth.
She’s drawn to roles that blend wit and heart.
Role: Sarah Heller, Charlie’s devoted wife—her tragic fate sparks the film’s ticking clock of revenge and redemption.
What to Expect: A brief but haunting performance that anchors Charlie’s emotional journey.
Favorite Things: Stage work and live theater; exploring new dramatic challenges.
Notable Works: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, House of Cards, I’m Your Woman.
Laurence Fishburne as Robert “Hendo” Henderson
DOB: July 30, 1961
Bio: A veteran of stage and screen, Fishburne earned early acclaim in Boyz n the Hood and became a cultural icon as Morpheus in The Matrix trilogy.
He brings gravitas and mentorship to every role.
Role: “Hendo” Henderson, a seasoned CIA operative whose experience becomes Charlie’s lifeline in the murky world of covert ops.
What to Expect: Steely calm, father-figure wisdom, and the moral weight of decisions made in the shadows.
Favorite Things: Shakespearean theater and classical literature; coaching younger actors.
Notable Works: The Matrix series, John Wick series, Boyz n the Hood.
Caitríona Balfe as Inquiline Davies
DOB: October 4, 1979
Bio: An Irish actress turned Emmy-nominee, Balfe rose to fame as Claire in Outlander.
She blends poised elegance with steely resolve and often selects roles that challenge her range.
Role: Inquiline Davies, a high-ranking intelligence official whose true loyalties remain tantalizingly unclear.
What to Expect: A quietly magnetic performance, where every glance and inflection hints at hidden agendas.
Favorite Things: Photography and travel; drawing on real-world diplomacy stories.
Notable Works: Outlander, Belfast, Ford v Ferrari.
Jon Bernthal as Jackson “The Bear” O’Brien
DOB: September 20, 1976
Bio: Known for his raw intensity in The Walking Dead and The Punisher, Bernthal brings physical presence and emotional vulnerability to tough, complex characters.
Role: Jackson “The Bear” O’Brien, a fiercely loyal operative whose muscle and moral code make him both protector and weapon.
What to Expect: Explosive action sequences tempered by moments of unexpected compassion.
Favorite Things: Animal-welfare advocacy; training in combat sports to stay sharp.
Notable Works: The Punisher, The Walking Dead, Ford v Ferrari.
Michael Stuhlbarg as Horst Schiller
DOB: July 5, 1968
Bio: A fixture of prestige dramas—Call Me by Your Name, Boardwalk Empire—Stuhlbarg’s talent lies in bringing quiet intensity and layered nuance to every character.
Role: Horst Schiller, a senior official whose courteous demeanor hides darker ambitions.
What to Expect: Subtle menace and a performance that lingers long after his scenes end.
Favorite Things: Classical music; delving into historical archives for role prep.
Notable Works: Call Me by Your Name, The Shape of Water, Boardwalk Empire.
Holt McCallany as CIA Deputy Director Alex Moore
DOB: September 3, 1963
Bio: A former boxer turned actor, McCallany is best known for his steely turn in Mindhunter. His real-world discipline brings authenticity to every role.
Role: Alex Moore, the no-nonsense deputy director whose strategic decisions shape the operation—often at great human cost.
What to Expect: Stoic leadership, terse exchanges, and flashes of paternal concern.
Favorite Things: Boxing and fitness; studying real-life intelligence debriefings.
Notable Works: Mindhunter, Fight Club, The Iron Claw.
Julianne Nicholson as Director Samantha O’Brien
DOB: July 1, 1971
Bio: A versatile star of Mare of Easttown and Law & Order: CI, Nicholson excels at playing tough, complex women who command every scene.
Role: Samantha O’Brien, the sharp-minded CIA director whose long view of geopolitics often clashes with frontline realities.
What to Expect: Strategic savvy, poignant moral dilemmas, and the burden of leadership.
Favorite Things: Painting and visual arts; mentoring emerging female directors.
Notable Works: Mare of Easttown, August: Osage County, Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Danny Sapani as Caleb Horowitz
DOB: November 15, 1970
Bio: A commanding presence in Penny Dreadful and Black Panther, Sapani brings gravitas and emotional depth to roles that straddle worlds of power and peril.
Role: Caleb Horowitz, a field agent whose personal code sometimes conflicts with orders from above.
What to Expect: A layered performance that explores duty, loyalty, and the price of secrecy.
Favorite Things: Theater work and cultural advocacy; supporting Black British arts.
Notable Works: Penny Dreadful, Doctor Who, Black Panther.
Adrian Martinez as Carlos
DOB: January 20, 1972
Bio: A veteran character actor and comedian, Martinez has appeared in everything from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty to hit TV comedies. He infuses humor into high-pressure situations.
Role: Carlos, the tech-savvy hacker whose expertise is vital to Charlie’s quest—and whose quick wit lifts the tension.
What to Expect: Moments of levity, rapid-fire banter, and ingenious on-screen problem-solving.
Favorite Things: Writing and directing indie shorts; developing new comedy sketches.
Notable Works: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Focus, iGilbert.
Marc Rissmann as Mishka Blazhic
DOB: January 1, 1980
Bio: A German actor with a stage and screen background, Rissmann first drew notice in Game of Thrones before moving into leading roles on BBC dramas.
Role: Mishka Blazhic, a shadowy antagonist whose motives unfold like a high-stakes chess game.
What to Expect: A chilling, unpredictable performance that keeps you guessing.
Favorite Things: Directing theater productions; studying Cold War espionage cases.
Notable Works: Game of Thrones, The Last Kingdom, The Man in the High Castle.
Joseph Millson as Ellish
DOB: April 27, 1974
Bio: An English actor and singer, Millson’s stage credits range from Love Never Dies to An Ideal Husband. His smooth presence adds authority to any role.
Role: Ellish, a veteran operative whose calm exterior masks deep wells of experience—and regrets.
What to Expect: Measured restraint, quiet heroism, and moments of mentor-like guidance.
Favorite Things: Musical theater performance; recording jazz standards.
Notable Works: Casino Royale, Angel Has Fallen, The Sarah Jane Adventures.
More Actors
Barbara Probst as Gretchen Frank
Alice Hewkin as Ali Park
Henry Garrett as Chief of Staff
Takehiro Hira as The Professor
FAQ – The Amateur 2025
What is the runtime of the movie?
The film has a runtime of 124 minutes (2 hours and 4 minutes).
Where can I watch The Amateur?
Currently, the film is available exclusively in theaters. Streaming details remain uncertain, but it is expected to become available on Disney-affiliated platforms like Hulu and potentially Disney+ around mid-July 2025.
Who stars in the movie?
The film features an ensemble cast led by Rami Malek as Charles “Charlie” Heller, with Laurence Fishburne, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, and others.
What is the movie’s rating?
The Amateur is rated PG-13.
Conclusion
The Amateur (2025) delivers a gripping, albeit familiar, espionage thriller experience.
Rami Malek’s performance as the cerebral CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller is a standout, adding emotional depth to the film’s action-driven plot.
While the story adheres to well-worn spy thriller conventions and lacks some character development, it still offers solid entertainment.
Laurence Fishburne’s mentor-like role provides a strong dynamic alongside Malek’s character.
Though it doesn’t break new ground, The Amateur is an engaging watch for fans of espionage films and action thrillers.
With its strong performances and compelling premise, it’s worth a viewing for those who enjoy high-stakes, action-packed dramas.