The Amateur

Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) begins the film working privately in his shed, indicating a solitary and secretive lifestyle. His wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) visits him before leaving for a conference in London, highlighting their close relationship and her upcoming trip.

Charlie, a CIA cryptographer, investigates classified files sent from an anonymous contact called Inquiline. He discovers that top officials, Director Moore and Deputy Caleb, have ordered unauthorized drone strikes in the Middle East disguised as suicide bombings.

Charlie is informed by his colleagues that Sarah has been killed during a hostage situation in London. He initially refuses to believe it until he sees surveillance footage confirming her capture by armed men.

Charlie is given Sarah's belongings and her body, which deeply affects him. Among her items, he finds a puzzle she intended to give him, highlighting their personal connection amidst his growing grief.

Determined to find her killers, Charlie demands action from Moore and Caleb. When they dismiss his request, he threatens to expose their crimes and sets up a dead man's switch to release classified documents if he doesn't check in regularly.

Charlie is taken to a training camp where he meets Colonel Henderson for combat and bomb-making training. Henderson doubts Charlie's ability to kill, but recognizes his skills with explosives, prompting Charlie to prepare for his mission.

Charlie locates and sneaks into Gretchen Frank’s apartment in Paris, trying to gather information about her and her associate. He escapes before she notices him, but later stuffs pollen into her allergen treatment to incapacitate her.

Charlie incapacitates Gretchen during her allergy treatment, causing her to suffocate. She attempts to fight him and runs into the street, where she is hit by a car and dies. Charlie then retrieves her phone as he flees the scene.

Charlie travels to Marseille, where he is tracked by Henderson. After a gunfight and explosion at a club, he escapes. Subsequently, he joins Inquiline in Istanbul, where they identify Blazhic’s location in Madrid.

In Madrid, Charlie corners Mishka Blazhic at his hotel pool, rigs it to shatter, and causes it to break apart, leading to Blazhic's death. He evades Henderson and a confrontation with an operative sent by suspicious officials.

Charlie captures Schiller aboard his boat, engaging in a tense conversation where Schiller justifies his actions. Charlie tricks Schiller into revealing his associates' locations, then causes the boat to enter Finnish waters, leading to Schiller’s arrest.

O’Brien holds a press conference revealing the truth about the drone strikes, the arrest of Moore and Caleb, and acknowledging Charlie as the whistleblower who exposed the government’s illicit activities. Charlie’s identity as the source becomes public knowledge.

Henderson, who survived his earlier injuries, visits Charlie and admits that he underestimated his skills. Their relationship shifts as Henderson recognizes Charlie’s determination and capability.

Charlie visits his wife Sarah’s grave, reflecting on her death and their relationship. He then returns home, where he repairs and flies a model plane she gave him, symbolizing his acceptance and moving forward.