Spy thrillers usually follow fearless action heroes trained to kill. But “The Amateur”, directed by James Hawes, takes a refreshingly different approach. Starring Rami Malek, this new espionage thriller focuses on an unlikely hero — a quiet CIA codebreaker thrust into chaos after a devastating personal loss.
If you’re curious about where to watch The Amateur, what it’s about, and who stars in it, here’s your complete guide.
🎬 What Is The Amateur About?
The Amateur follows Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), a brilliant but socially withdrawn CIA decoder who works from a quiet basement office in Langley. His life is shattered when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack while visiting London. When the CIA refuses to take action, Charlie steps out of the shadows and into the field, using his intelligence skills to track down the perpetrators himself.
Blending psychological tension with international intrigue, The Amateur explores themes of justice, grief, and transformation — all through the lens of a man who was never supposed to be on the frontlines.
📅 When Was The Amateur Released?
The Amateur was released in theaters on April 11, 2025. It is currently playing exclusively in cinemas across the U.S. and internationally.
🎭 Who Stars in The Amateur?
This high-stakes thriller boasts an impressive ensemble cast:
-
Rami Malek as Charlie Heller
-
Rachel Brosnahan
-
Caitríona Balfe
-
Jon Bernthal
-
Michael Stuhlbarg
-
Holt McCallany
-
Julianne Nicholson
-
Adrian Martinez
-
Danny Sapani
-
Laurence Fishburne
Malek’s emotionally complex performance anchors the film, while the supporting cast adds depth and suspense to the story.
🎥 Why You Should Watch The Amateur
Unlike typical action-packed spy flicks, The Amateur delves into the psychological toll of tragedy and vengeance. It offers a more cerebral take on the genre, led by an Oscar-winning actor and directed by James Hawes, known for Slow Horses and Black Mirror.
Whether you’re a fan of gripping thrillers or character-driven dramas, The Amateur is worth seeing — especially while it’s in theaters.
📌 Summary: How to Watch The Amateur
-
Now Playing: In theaters nationwide (since April 11, 2025)
-
Streaming Availability: Coming soon to Hulu (U.S.) and Disney+ (international)
-
Director: James Hawes
-
Lead Star: Rami Malek
-
Genre: Spy thriller / Drama
How to Watch ‘The Amateur?
Not yet. As of now, The Amateur is only available in theaters.
Since the film is distributed by 20th Century Studios, it’s expected to land on Hulu in the U.S. and possibly Disney+ internationally when it transitions to streaming — likely within the next few months. An official streaming release date has not been announced yet.