With Rami Malek taking on more diverse roles with classic components, he displays his intelligent side with a mind for revenge. The Amateur is one-of-a-kind and Malek plays the role of an individual with a strategic mind that crosses the line. It is a dazzling thriller that is filled with espionage that makes for a spy adventure with realms of uncertainty. Malek delivers a mind-boggling performance as do Laurence Fishburne and Holt McCallany.  All three play characters that can be either good guys or bad guys—at the same time. Malek’s character uses his skills because he is determined to get back at what was taken from him.

Malek plays Heller, a decoder for CIA operations. He seems to have a happy life with his wife Sarah (played by Rachel Brosnahan). She is on a trip to London when Heller receives the news that his wife has been killed in a terrorist attack. When the news is delivered from Director Moore (McCallany), Heller tries to find every technical avenue to put together the political pieces to explain why his wife was attacked. He also tries to determine the intent. A world of espionage is exposed that pushes Heller to the brink as his life expands to a whole different level.

The film weaves together a complicated tango between the emotional side and the political side of the situation. To an extent, there is a layer of uncertainty that fuels the film’s fire. With spy tactics in the mix, there are elements of surprise that are subtle and unexpected. I found these elements to be quite enticing in The Amateur. The intriguing politics combined with layers of technology create an interesting evolution that can open puzzles of possibilities. Deep down, however, flying below the radar is a recurring challenge in The Amateur.

The film is full of a new level of performance by Malek. He displays a level of a genius during the technical attacks, but not so much when physical altercations are involved. That is, in fact, where Fishburne’s performance as Henderson shines. His character tries to walk Heller through the steps of what it takes to be a killer and defend yourself. In the end, Heller is in a situation where he still feels that the world around him is two-faced. The film’s writing plays up this two-faced vibe which sends chills due to the political tension and uncertainty. The film tackles an interesting set-up for a thriller that succeeds by establishing engrossing patterns.

It is not an amazing movie, but it keeps viewers thinking. What has Heller’s wife done to be killed? What corruption is present in the government that is blocking Heller from putting the pieces together? What are the espionage factors related to the death?The film’s writing which highlights politics, spies, and vengeance with a mix of technical and psychological components is more effective than the combat motive in The Amateur. The result is a vivid and exciting ride, but it requires patience. Two out of four stars.