Our take
The Amateur is a PG-13 spy thriller about a quiet CIA decoder who hunts terrorists after his wife is killed in an attack. Violence includes shootouts, explosions, torture references, and executions, though the opening murder happens off screen. Language is moderate with at least one f-word. The hero is implied to be on the autism spectrum. Best for teens who can handle revenge-driven action and terrorism themes
Uplifting themes
Persistence and using your strengths matter, though framed inside a violent vendetta The lead is clever and determined, but his path is vigilante justice
AMU ages are independent editorial opinions. They are not legal classifications and are not issued by the Classification Board, the MPAA, or any other official classification body. Official labels on this site, such as PG or R, come from those bodies or our data sources, not from AMU. AMU guides are not a substitute for official classification. Cuts and details can differ by version. Use them as one input only. You decide what is right for your family.
Story (may spoil tone)
After his life is turned upside down when his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a brilliant but introverted CIA decoder takes matters into his own hands when his supervisors refuse to take action.
Details
Violence Shootouts, stabbings, explosions, and torture references punctuate the…
Shootouts, stabbings, explosions, and torture references punctuate the revenge mission
Language Moderate profanity including at least one f-word and several s-words
Moderate profanity including at least one f-word and several s-words
Sex / nudity No sex found in this title
No sex found in this title
Drugs / alcohol Occasional social drinking in spy-world settings
Occasional social drinking in spy-world settings
Frightening Terrorist attacks, hostage peril, and stalking create sustained suspense
Terrorist attacks, hostage peril, and stalking create sustained suspense
Self-harm / suicide No self-harm found in this title
No self-harm found in this title
Sexual violence No sexual violence found in this title
No sexual violence found in this title
Child peril / abuse No child peril found in this title
No child peril found in this title
Bullying / discrimination No bullying found in this title
No bullying found in this title
Gore / death / weapons Gunfire, knives, and tasers cause injuries; blood appears but gore stay…
Gunfire, knives, and tasers cause injuries; blood appears but gore stays restrained
Dangerous behaviour A civilian goes rogue across borders; risky tactics may look achievable…
A civilian goes rogue across borders; risky tactics may look achievable on screen
Eating disorders / body image No eating found in this title
No eating found in this title
Mental health No mental health found in this title
No mental health found in this title
Gambling No gambling found in this title
No gambling found in this title
Grief / bereavement The hero mourns his murdered wife, and grief fuels the revenge arc
The hero mourns his murdered wife, and grief fuels the revenge arc
Talk after watching
- The hero uses intelligence instead of muscle. When is thinking a better tool than fighting?
- Grief after losing a spouse drives risky choices. How do people cope with loss in healthy ways?
- Agencies and governments make moral tradeoffs in spy stories. Who decides what justice looks like?