James Bond star’s underappreciated gem called ‘the most unique thriller in ages’ is now streaming
Bond villain Rami Malek is exceptional in this twisty thriller that has just arrived on Disney+
James Bond star Rami Malek’s underappreciated 2025 thriller is now available on Disney+ at no extra cost for subscribers.
Also featuring Hollywood legend Laurence Fishburne, Superman’s Rachel Brosnahan and Outlander star Caitriona Balfe, this high-stakes espionage mission is a must-see for fans who missed it on the big screen.
While it didn’t light the box office on fire, the film has a growing collective of fans who claim this unique take on the spy movie genre is well worth a watch.
In The Amateur, Malek - who portrayed the villainous Lyutsifer Safin in Daniel Craig’s final outing as Bond in No Time to Die - plays CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller.
When his wife Sarah (played by Brosnahan) is murdered, Charlie is hellbent on revenge and calls upon Colonel Robert Henderson (Fishburne) to help track down those responsible.
Although the revenge plot seems to tread familiar ground, Malek is not your traditional spy hero, with many fans of the film remarking on The Amateur’s fresh approach to the genre.
One enthusiastic Google review said: “In my own opinion, this movie is not just another "Spy" movie, where the protagonist is forced to avenge their fallen loved one or colleague.”
They added, “the twists left me hanging for more” and called Malek a “perfect fit” for the lead role.
In another rave write-up, one user said: “In The Amateur, espionage takes a refreshingly human turn.
“What makes The Amateur stand out is its refusal to lean into the overpolished spy fantasy. Charlie is no Jason Bourne or James Bond—and that's exactly the point. He stumbles, he panics, and at times, he's in over his head.
“But his love for his wife grounds every decision, and the film excels in letting us feel the weight of that loss without sacrificing pace or tension.”
Someone else commended his performance: “Rami Malek's acting was phenomenal, dare I say even Oscar worthy…”
They also remarked: “This movie broke all other spy movies stereotypes, most if not all movies focus on the spy having better physical strength rather than intelligence. This movie proved different; intelligence is stronger than strength.”
“What I liked most about The Amateur is that it doesn’t recycle the same formula that countless other male revenge thrillers have used for ages,” another agreed.
And a final enthusiast gushed in a five-star review: “This was a great watch because it's not a typical Mission Impossible/James Bond phony flashy spy film, its so much more grounded than that.
“His only drive is for a love lost, and despite his stumbling and bumbling and asking for assassination tips, he doesnt quiver in fear....well yes he does, and a lot...thats what makes this movie such a standout.”
Despite scoring a not so sensational 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, these movie buffs all agree The Amateur deserves another chance at success now it’s yours to stream at home.
The Amateur is available to stream on Disney+.