If you want an action-packed spy thriller movie with great performances and heart-pounding moments, this is the binge-watch for you—and with Outlander’s Caitríona Balfe teaming up with Oscar winner Rami Malek, talk about a power couple.
If you love an espionage twist, an undercover mission, or an intense emotional arc—The Amateur, a new CIA-centered spy thriller, is set to be the breakthrough streaming event of must-see television.
Why You Need to See “The Amateur”
Spy thrillers are back in action. Shows like The Night Agent, Citadel, and movies like Tenet are captivating audiences worldwide. It’s clear the genre is still alive and thriving. But what makes The Amateur such a must-see?
Rami Malek, who blew us away as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, takes a raw and deeply emotional role that’s unlike anything we’ve seen. When you add Caitríona Balfe, the dynamic and fiery Outlander actress whom we love, I couldn’t be more excited to see them together.
The cast lineup: A-List
Rami Malek as the Unwilling Hero
Having just played the Bond villain in No Time to Die, this time Rami Malek semantically shifts from sinister genius to everyman. He is playing a deskbound cryptologist, who has no experience in combat, but has plenty of will. The emotional weight of the film comes from Malek’s transformation from analyst to assassin.
Caitríona Balfe as the Field Agent
Outlander fans will be delighted to see Balfe on screen again, this time in her role of a seasoned CIA operative whose job it is to keep Malek’s character alive, and in check, of course. Expect moments of explosive chemistry, moral quandary, and wicked one-liners.
Other Supporting Roles
Supporters soon learn, Malek and Balfe have to contend with psychos out on the streets, and a cadre of bureaucratic oversight in the CIA led by Adrian Lester, Rachel Brosnahan, and Laurence Fishburne. There is plenty of gravitas and world-class acting to amplify the tension in the CIA’s hallways and the dark alleys of Eastern Europe.
Direction and Mood
Direction by James Hawes (Slow Horses, Black Mirror) presents The Amateur with a stylish and moody visual presentation in juxtaposition to the grittiness of realism. This is not James Bond or Kingsman or Jason Bourne; Hawes’ purpose was to better reflect the psychological and emotional dimensions of the world of espionage.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy meets The Bourne Identity.
Filmed on location in London, Prague, and Istanbul.
Realistic fighting footage.
Why Spy Thrillers Are on Fire
According to Nielsen data, crime and thriller genres accounted for 41% of the most streamed portfolio of 2024. Within that portfolio, spy thrillers accounted for a 21% growth (especially after the mainstays spiked after hits like The Recruit and Kleo on Netflix).
Why?
Escapism: Viewers a chasing great high-stakes stories during this uncertain time of global civil unrest.
Complicated Protagonists: More than just action, modern spy features deal with personal trauma, moral choices and enduring loyalties.
Star Power: elite performers like Rami Malek are injecting prestige into once-niche material.
5 What Makes “The Amateur” Different?
Reality Instead of Fantasy
No exploding pens or invisible cars are present. The Amateur speaks to real-life tradecraft that defines these weapons’ consequence.
More Than A Revenge Thriller
This is more than revenge. This is a tragic human story about grief, obsession, and change.
Gender Equal
Caitríona Balfe is not a “love interest” or “side-kick.” Rather, she is a powerful character, who is assigned significance both emotionally and strategically.
Binge Plan: How to gear up for The Amateur
Want to have the ultimate weekend spy-thriller? Here’s your plan:
1. Revisit Rami Malek’s Greatest Hits
Mr. Robot (2015-2019): Malek’s breakout starring role as a cybersecurity genius with a dark side.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): Malek’s Oscar-winning transformation into Freddie Mercury.
No Time to Die (2021): A chilling villain with eerie and unnerving stillness with only the briefest moments of facial expression.
2. See Balfe in Action
Outlander (2014-2023): Romancing time travel in the midst of wartime grit.
Belfast (2021): One of the true standouts in Kenneth Branagh’s award-winning, semi-autobiographical film.
3. Get in the Mood
Put out the lights.
Brew a coffee or pour a glass of red wine!
Put on a dark ambient playlist – or the original score for the film.
Final thoughts: Don’t miss this devastatingly haunting thriller
The Amateur is not just a revenge story, but a haunting look into the human cost of espionage. The emotionally raw performance by Rami Malek and the fierce and grounded performance by Caitríona Balfe make this rare type of spy thriller one that can linger.
FAQs
1. When will the Amateur be released?
The film is scheduled to arrive in the theater in Fall 2025, then will be released for streaming on Hulu or Apple TV+ (to be determined).
2. Is this a remake or original story?
It’s a modern adaptation of Robert Littell’s 1981 novel, reimagined for today’s readers and current geopolitical affairs.
3. Is The Amateur based on a true story?
No, but the themes and tradecraft were greatly influenced by real intelligence operatives.
4. How is Rami Malek’s performance being perceived?
The early critics are claiming that it was one of the very few nuanced characters that he has portrayed to date, and it’s a seamless blend of vulnerability and calculated rage.
5. Where was The Amateur filmed?
The film was shot mainly in London, Prague and Istanbul, using the actual streets and landmarks for realism.
6. Is this a standalone film or a part of a series?
At the moment, it is a standalone feature film, but if we have success there, the potential for sequels and/or a series may be explored.
7. Who is the target audience?
There are plenty of people who like intelligent thrillers, character-driven stories, and star-powered performances, so that’s a pretty wide net!