What drives a seeker of vengeance in an espionage techno-thriller?

After learning of the death of his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) at the hands of terrorists in London, introverted CIA analyst and cryptographer Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) demands justice when the department refuses to pursue those responsible. A recent cache of files from a confidential informant known only as “Inquiline” reveals evidence of an internal cover-up, presenting Heller an opportunity: leverage his boss Director Moore (Holt McCallany) for field training or else rat him out to new by-the-book Director O’Brien (Julianne Nicholson). Moore reluctantly agrees, arranging a secret session with trainer Colonel Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), a delay tactic the director believes will give him an edge over Heller’s gambit… if the rogue analyst hasn’t already anticipated that.

Directed by James Hawes from a screenplay by Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli, it’s the second film of the same name based on the 1981 novel by author Robert Littell. This newest version moves the original timeline up to modern day, requiring considerable retooling since there’s neither a Berlin Wall nor an Iron Curtain as an Atomic Blonde obstacle now. As is typical of these kinds of remakes, the story spans weeks instead of months and must consider significant upgrades in technology for our protagonist to weaponize. With his former employers out to stop him while seeking terrorists who don’t wish to be found, will Heller be able to pull the trigger if or when the time comes?

The ad trailers are a disservice to the film, overstuffed with money shots — every money shot, as it turns out — promising an action-oriented blockbuster shortchanging the actual film’s plot. Fortunately, the globe-trotting production itself serves the better story being told: how grief can drive someone to do something previously unthinkable. Malik is perfectly suited to this role, not dissimilar from “Mr. Robot,” now applied to a driven analyst obsessed with balancing the scales after the fridging of his wife. Films of this type often overuse twists and misdirection, but keeping the plot linear in this case builds actual drama instead of merely executing one’s adversaries, an exploration of the mindset of a reluctant killer.

At the same time, the story unfolds like a cloak and dagger version of A Christmas Carol. Fishburne is the trainer of operative’s past, Jon Bernthal portrays the spy of operative’s present, and Caitríona Balfe’s character reveals the inevitable future of any successful operative (should they live so long). Providing the would-be assassin a glimpse of the path he’s on, however, doesn’t exactly show him the error of his ways so much as guide him toward exactly what he wants in a way he can live with. Besides the bait and switch ad trailer, there are a few significant plot holes, such as going after Heller knowing full well he’s not bluffing, or allowing Heller to continue using CIA assets after losing track of him; something cut for time in the editing room would be a valid guess for either of these.

A mixed result but still satisfying, the production can’t shake its circa 1970 world view but is enjoyable as an updated and calculating throwback. It may also serve as a springboard to a sequel, as the cast and crew are reportedly game to make more of these off the same idea… and the no-hard-feelings conclusion sets that up nicely. Would an R-rating have bumped this incarnation up a notch as it was in the original film? The world may never know.

The Amateur is rated PG-13 for some strong violence, language, and criminal underuse of the bad-ass coat trope.

Three skull recommendation out of four