The movie had such promise in its premise. However, it never took the necessary steps to be as ambitious as the premise would promise in the trailers. Jon Bernthal and Lawrence Fishburne's talents were completely wasted. The biggest let down was the anticlimactic ending. Rami Malek was believable and interesting, but the story didn't give him enough to work with.

Great movie I loved it

While the film’s execution seems expert on the surface, the internal narrative design is unfortunately ham-handed and woefully dull.

Katie Walsh

The Seattle Times

Malek’s icy performance does little to endear the viewer to Charlie, while his ultra-tactile relationship with his wife – presented in gauzy flashbacks – never feels entirely authentic.

Just when movie theaters don’t need another one, The Amateur comes along to join the roster of 2025 releases that lack the knack, the juice and exciting reasons for theatergoers to theater-go.

Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune