Justice, Grief, and Espionage: The Amateur Brings Robert Littell’s Spy Thriller to Life

The movie adaptation of ‘The Amateur’ starring Rami Malek is now in theaters. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Spy thrillers are filled with high-stakes tension and secret missions. These stories blend action, suspense, and intelligence, keeping readers on edge as they navigate conspiracies and betrayals. The best part are the fast-paced plots and complex characters who often operate in moral gray zones. The movie adaptations elevate these elements by vividly portraying exotic locations, pulse-pounding chases, and charismatic spies. Through dynamic visuals and compelling performances, films bring the intricacies of espionage to life, allowing audiences to experience the thrill firsthand and deepening their connection to the characters and the dangerous worlds they inhabit.

The latest to be adapted into the big screen is “The Amateur” by Robert Littell and is now in theaters everywhere. It is a remake of the 1981 movie of the same name but they differ in their approach to the story’s themes and how they depict the protagonist’s transformation. The new version, starring Malek, is a more modern, action-packed spy thriller, while the 1981 film, starring John Savage, is a more grounded revenge thriller.

Robert Littell was born, raised, and educated in New York. A former Newsweek editor specializing in Soviet Affairs, he left journalism in 1970 to write fiction full time. He has been writing about the Soviet Union and Russians since his first novel, the espionage classic “The Defection of A.J. Lewinter.” He is the author of 18 novels, including the critically acclaimed “The Debriefing,” “The Sisters,” “The Once and Future Spy,” the New York Times bestselling “The Company, and Legends.” (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“The Amateur” – Charlie Heller is an ace cryptographer for the CIA, a quiet man in a quiet back-office job. But when his fiancée, Sarah Diamond, is murdered by terrorists at the American Embassy in West Germany and the Company refuses to pursue her killers, Heller takes matters into his own hands.

Tracking down Sarah’s killers behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia, Heller becomes both the hunter and the hunted—an amateur facing off against the world’s deadliest assassins and spies. But nothing will stop him from getting revenge.

Expertly plotted with shocking twists and pulse-pounding suspense, “The Amateur” is a sleek and stunning novel that belongs on the shelves of every espionage fan.

My thoughts:
The Amateur, directed by James Hawes, is a modern espionage thriller that explores the themes of grief, revenge, and institutional betrayal. Rami Malek stars as Charlie Heller, a CIA cryptographer whose life is shattered when his wife is killed in a terrorist attack.

Frustrated by the agency’s inaction, Heller embarks on a global quest for justice, utilizing his analytical skills to navigate the dangerous world of espionage. Laurence Fishburne delivers a compelling performance as Heller’s mentor, adding depth to the narrative.

While the film boasts a strong cast and high production values, some critics note that it struggles with pacing and relies on familiar genre elements. Nevertheless, The Amateur offers a thought-provoking take on the spy genre, highlighting the personal costs of vengeance and the complexities of moral ambiguity. He realizes that he can’t pull the trigger when it comes down to it, so he takes care of business his way. And he’s awesome at it. I’m a big fan of Rami Malek, so that’s a big plus for me and I always enjoy spy movies similar to Jason Bourne and Mission Impossible. It’s entertaining and full of action and suspense without gratuitous violence, gore, or sex. Since I haven’t read the book, I can’t comment on how the movie measures up to it, but I’ll definitely add it to my TBR list.

Dallas Gets a Taste of Argentinian Indie Rock: El Mató a un Policía Motorizado at Frontera 2025

Argentinian band Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado will make its only Texas stop in Dallas. Photo: LPA Beer & Music Festival.

Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado, also known as EMAUPM or Él Mató, is an Argentinian indie rock band from La Plata established in 2003. The band has just announced their North American tour, and before they kick things off, they’ll be making a special stop in Dallas as part of Frontera 2025. This will be their only Texas performance.

This intimate 500-capacity show is free and open to the public, but RSVP is highly encouraged to guarantee entry: RSVP HERE. The performance will take place at Kessler Theater on Friday, April 11. Doors open at 7:30p.m., show begins at 8:30p.m. (Giant Noise/Southwest Review, 2025)

More information on Frontera 2025:

DALLAS – Dallas-based magazine Southwest Review, the third-longest-running literary quarterly in the United States, announces the lineup for the second annual Frontera. This year’s festivities will take place April 11–12, 2025, in Oak Cliff’s historic Bishop Arts District.

The lineup assembles artists from English-speaking North America and Spanish-speaking Latin America for a two-day celebration of literature, music, comics and film. Set to take place at The Wild Detectives, Kessler Theater and Texas Theatre, all Frontera events will be free and open to the public.

Frontera will kick off at The Wild Detectives with a conversation between American cartoonist Lynda Barry and fiction writer Mary Miller, followed by musical performances from The Paranoid Style, Karly Hartzman and Él Mató a un Policía Motorizado at Kessler Theater. RSVP highly encouraged HERE.

The second day will feature a screening of the Blood Simple (1984) by Joel and Ethan Coen, plus a conversation between award-winning author Megan Abbott and crime novelist William Boyle at the Texas Theatre. Additional readings at The Wild Detectives will feature Mateo García Elizondo, Brenda Lozano, Ashleigh Bryant Phillips, Joseph Grantham, Brenda Navarro, Federico Perelmuter, Julia Kornberg, Patricio Ferrari, Eli Cranor, and Kimberly King Parsons, offering audiences a chance to engage with some of the most compelling voices in contemporary literature.

Guests are invited to the festival’s final event at The Wild Detectives featuring a celebratory DJ set running from 7:30p.m. until close.

Because the Southwest is a place where borderlands converge, the region is dependent on the two-way flow of language and culture. Southwest Review has long championed Latin American literature in translation, working closely with independent publishers to introduce groundbreaking voices to new audiences. Thanks to the generous support of the Southern Methodist University Department of English, Frontera brings this editorial vision to life in an increasingly bilingual North Texas region.

The Kessler Theater

Two to One: The New Comedy Hitting UK Theaters This May

Sandra Hüller stars in the heist comedy Two to One. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Heist comedies blend the thrill of elaborate adventures with sharp humor, making them a favorite among movie lovers. These films captivate audiences with clever schemes and unexpected twists, all wrapped in a lighthearted tone. The balance between tension and comedy—watching a team of misfits outwit authorities or rival thieves keeps viewers engaged while delivering laughs. Classics like Ocean’s Eleven and The Italian Job showcase stylish execution, witty banter, and satisfying payoffs. The genre’s mix of high stakes and humor makes for endlessly entertaining, feel-good storytelling that invites audiences to root for the underdogs.

London, UK: Tull Stories is delighted to announce that Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One (Zwei zu eins) will be hitting UK cinemas from May 2^nd after its UK Premiere at Glasgow Film Festival. (Strike Media, 2025)

A light-hearted ensemble comedy about friendship, community, love, and capitalism, Natja Brunckhorst’s Two To One is set in the long, hot East German summer of 1990.

Maren, Robert and Volker have known and loved each other since childhood. In the final weeks before reunification and with Germany about to change forever, the trio stumble across a fortune in soon-to-be-worthless East German currency, left to rot in Government storage.

With just days to work out what to do with this unexpected windfall before it becomes useless, the three assemble the friends and neighbours living in their crumbling apartment block and together hatch an elaborate plan to exchange the cash for goods – outwitting the incoming Westerners and their capitalism before time runs out.

But can a community previously living under strict socialist values handle this sudden wealth…?

Two To One had its World Premiere opening Munich Film Festival, where Screen Daily said it was a “comedy with heart.” It features stand-out performances from Oscar nominee Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, The Zone of Interest, Toni Erdmann), Max Riemelt (Berlin Syndrome, Sense8,) and Ronald Zehrfeld (Phoenix, Barbara).

Distributed By: Tull Stories
Theatrical Release: May 2nd 2025
Short Synopsis: As German reunification looms in the summer of 1990 three close friends in Socialist East Germany hatch an elaborate plan to make a fortune when they find a bunker full of soon-to-be-worthless currency. With the help of their friends and neighbours they tackle progress and capitalism head-on.
Directed By: Natja Brunckhorst
Cast: Sandra Hüller, Max Riemelt, Ronald Zehrfeld, Ursula Werner, Peter Kurth, Martin Brambach and Kathrin Wehlisch
Run Time: 116 minutes

Oh My Goodness! – A Hilarious French Film You Won’t Want to Miss

The laugh out loud French comedy is coming to UK movie theatres. Photo: The Dukes

Like comedies? I do. Sometimes you need a laugh or two to get through the day. Comedies have long been a favorite genre for moviegoers, offering a much-needed escape from daily stress. With their lighthearted plots, witty dialogue, and exaggerated characters, they bring laughter and joy to audiences of all ages. Whether it’s slapstick humor, clever satire, or romantic comedy, these films create a sense of connection and shared amusement. Laughter has proven psychological benefits, reducing stress and boosting mood, making comedies an appealing choice for entertainment. From classic screwball comedies to modern-day laugh-out-loud hits, the genre continues to evolve while maintaining its timeless ability to uplift, entertain, and bring people together.

A new French comedy is coming to theaters in the UK starting today, March 14.

Tull Stories is excited to announce the launch of their new Joy of Cinema strand with the laugh-out-loud French comedy Oh My Goodness!.The film will be rolling into UK cinemas from 14th March. (Strike Media, 2025)

Oh My Goodness! (Juste Ciel!) features a stellar, eccentric cast of Valérie Bonneton, Camille Chamoux ,Claire Nadeau, Guilaine Londez, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Louise Malek, François Morel, and Jean-Michel Lahmi.

Oh My Goodness! – When the local nursing home finds itself in dire straits and in danger of falling to pieces, it’s down to Mother Veronique (Valérie Bonneton) and the five eccentric sisters of the convent of St. Benedict to find a way to help. Spotting a poster for a bike race with a €25,000 cash prize (and the incentive of a trip to the Vatican for the winner!), the sisters might just have their answer.

The only drawback is that they are terrible cyclists, and their rival convent, led by Mother Veronique’s childhood rival Mother Josephine (Sidse Babett Knudsen), have their own plans for the prize money – and just a little more experience…but God works in mysterious ways.

Fun and frothy, director Laurent Tirard’s hilariously absurd comedy will have you rolling in the aisles. The stunning landscapes of France’s Jura region provides a beautiful backdrop too.

Written by Cécile Larripa & Philippe Pinel, the film is a co-production between Les Films sur Mesure, Le Pacte and M6 Films.

Oh My Goodness! movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Survival, Suspense, and the Undead: Zombie Thriller Die Alone

Die Alone will be released in the UK on March 10. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Zombie movies have captivated audiences for decades, blending horror, action, and social commentary. Their appeal lies in the thrilling survival scenarios, intense suspense, and gruesome effects that keep viewers on edge. These films often reflect societal fears, from pandemics to societal collapse, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. Classics like Night of the Living Dead and modern hits like Train to Busan showcase human resilience and moral dilemmas in apocalyptic settings. Fans enjoy the adrenaline rush, the eerie atmosphere, and the chance to imagine how they would survive a zombie outbreak, making the genre a lasting favorite in horror cinema.

For zombie movie lovers, there’s the recent new movie Die Alone. It’s a Canadian horror thriller that was released in September of last year. It focuses more on the protagonist’s emotional journey and mystery than the usual zombie gore and violence. The film had its European premiere at Sitges last year. Die Alone will be released in the UK & Ireland on Digital Download, DVD and Blu-ray from March 10.

In the US, it’s available on Tubi, Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.

London UK: Lightbulb Film Distribution is pleased to share the poster and trailer for new post-apocalyptic thriller, Die Alone. (Strike Media, 2025)

Die Alone – In a post-apocalyptic world, a young man with amnesia joins forces with a hardened survivalist during a zombie outbreak, as they set out to find his missing girlfriend. It stars Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, and Frank Grillo.

“We are delighted to be bringing Die Alone to audiences in the UK & Ireland. Inspired by films like 28 Days Later, it’s a thrill-ride from start to finish.” – Commercial Director, Matthew Kreuzer

Release date: March 10
Directed by: Lowell Dean
Formats: Digital, DVD, & Blu-Ray
Run Time: 90 mins.

Die Alone production still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Discover the Dark Secrets of The Baby in the Basket: A New Gothic Horror Movie

The Baby in the Basket is the chilling new gothic horror movie starring Amber Doig-Thorne. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Gothic horror movies captivate audiences with their eerie atmosphere, dark settings, and psychological tension. Set in crumbling mansions, foggy landscapes, or ancient castles, these films evoke a sense of dread and mystery. Themes of isolation, madness, and the supernatural are often explored, blending the fear of the unknown with the human psyche’s darkest corners. The use of vivid imagery, such as shadowy figures and mysterious creatures, intensifies the feeling of vulnerability. Audiences are drawn to gothic horror for its ability to transport them into a world where fear lingers in every corner, offering a thrilling escape into the macabre.

Shepka Productions, in partnership with Flickering Myth, are delighted to announce the release of new chilling, gothic horror The Baby in the Basket. The feature will be available on Digital in the UK and USA, and on DVD (UK only) from February 17th. (Strike Media, 2025)

The Baby in the Basket features a stellar cast of horror favorites including Amber Doig-Thorne (Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey), Michaela Longden (How to Kill Monsters), Elle O’Hara (Cara), Lisa Riesner (No Dogs Allowed) and Nathan Shepka (Dead Before They Wake). Also starring veteran British talent Annabelle Lanyon (Legend), with Maryam d’Abo (The Living Daylights) and Paul Barber (The Full Monty).

It’s 1944 and World War Two rages on. The sisters of St. Augustine’s, a convent on a remote Scottish island, are preparing for an incoming storm. One night a cloaked figure leaves a baby in a basket and disappears, never to be seen again.

The nuns take in the boy, and agree to look after him until the storm passes when they will take the child to the mainland for permanent care. However, after a night under their watch, unsettling things begin to happen with the newest addition to the convent. Sister Agnes (Amber Doig-Thorne) suspects the child is the spawn of Satan, causing her to be locked away for fear that she’s been driven mad by the isolation.

But increasingly strange occurrences lead the sisters to question their faith and everything they believe, they wonder has Sister Agnes fallen victim to the desolation of the remote island setting or was there really weight in her suspicions?

The Baby in the Basket is directed by Nathan Shepka and Andy Crane from a script written by Tom Jolliffe (Cinderella’s Revenge, Renegades). The film is produced by Shepka Productions, Flickering Myth, and Hidden Ridge Productions, in association with Jolliffe Productions and Nerdly UK.

The Baby in the Basket will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK and US and to own on DVD (for the UK only) from 17th February.

Pre-order your UK copy of the DVD on Amazon or HMV.

The Baby in the Basket still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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Thrills, Chills, and Heart-Stopping Moments: Experience Never Have I Ever

The thriller Never Have I Ever is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

When it comes to movies, thrillers captivate moviegoers by blending suspense, mystery, and intense emotional conflict. These films often explore the complexities of the human mind, where perception and reality blur, leaving audiences on edge. The tension stems from characters’ internal struggles, psychological manipulation, and unexpected twists, which keep viewers guessing and engaged. Rather than relying on gore or action, these thrillers build fear through atmosphere, ambiguity, and mind games, tapping into universal anxieties. The appeal lies in the challenge they present, including trying to outwit the story, questioning what’s real, and experiencing a sense of unease long after the credits roll.

Now available for streaming on Fandango at Home is Never Have I Ever.

Directed by Damon Rickard, it stars Andrew Lee Potts, Beatrice Fletcher, and Amber Doig-Thorne. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Never Have I Ever – Sam is already having a bad day but an incident from Sam’s youth resurfaces in ways he couldn’t imagine and starts a series of events that send his life spiraling out of control and embroiling him in an escalating game of cat and mouse.

He is having a terrible day. He is late delivering a screenplay and the threat of being forced to repay his advance looms ominously over him as he simply doesn’t have the money left. But his day goes from bad to worse when a variety of strange things start happening. From simply losing his wallet to seemingly having multiple break-ins to his home. Then a chance encounter whilst drowning his sorrows sends his day in directions he couldn’t possibly have anticipated.

Still from Never Have I Ever. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

‘Dead Before They Wake’: A Thrilling Ride into the Dark Unknown

*Dead Before They Wake* will be available to rent or own in the UK from 27th January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Topical thrillers take current events, real-world issues, or contemporary themes to create fast-paced, suspenseful narratives. Their appeal lies in their relevance, making them feel immediate and relatable. By incorporating elements such as political intrigue, technological threats, or social tensions, these stories tap into the anxieties and curiosities of today’s world. Viewers are often drawn to the sense of urgency and the high stakes, feeling a personal connection to the situations depicted. Topical thrillers offer not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and risks facing society, heightening emotional engagement and anticipation.

London – Shepka Productions have announced the UK release of the brutal, topical thriller, Dead Before They Wake. The feature will be available to rent or own on Digital Platforms in the UK from January 27th and is available to download in the US now. (Strike Media, 2025)

Based on true events, the film follows nightclub bouncer Alex who is hired by a retired lawyer to track down a missing teenage girl, suspected of being snared by a trafficking ring, and to bring her home no matter what it takes.

Dead Before They Wake stars Nathan Shepka (Lock & Load, The Baby in the Basket), Grace Cordell (Cara), Manjot Sumal (The Last Bus, hit BBC sitcom Scot Squad), Kareem Nasif (The Job). Also starring Dr Who legend Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit trilogy, The Munsters), and Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With the Enemy, Patriot Games).

“We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often by ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way, it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates in a brutal revenge-driven showdown.” – Producer Nathan Shepka

Dead Before They Wake is directed by Andy Crane and Nathan Shepka. The film features an original score by Academy Award winning composer Joseph Renzetti and is produced by Nathan Shepka.

Dead Before They Wake had its US release on 7th January: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video.

It will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK from 27th January.

Dead Before They Wake. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Twists, Turns, and Terrors: ‘The Damned’ is the Newest Nordic Thriller Masterpiece

*The Damned*, the new chilling Nordic thriller, will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on January 10, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Psychological thrillers explore complex human emotions, fears, and motivations, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. These films go into the minds of characters, creating an atmosphere of tension, suspense, and unpredictability. The appeal lies in the psychological manipulation, where viewers become immersed in a web of deception, unreliable narrators, and mind games. The genre stimulates intellectual engagement, as it challenges perceptions and provokes deep thought about human nature. Audiences are drawn to the psychological complexity and emotional intensity, seeking both excitement and the thrill of solving mysteries within the narrative.

Vertical has announced that Thordur Palsson’s ominous and chilling thriller The Damned will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 10th January 2025. (Strike Media, 2024)

Starring Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London), The Damned is a tense psychological horror film that follows 19th-century widow, Eva. She is tasked with making an impossible choice when a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing outpost during the middle of an especially cruel winter.

With provisions running low, Eva and her close-knit community must choose between rescuing the shipwrecked crew and prioritizing their own survival. Facing the consequences of their decision and tormented by guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices.

Following its premiere in November, the Cork International Film Festival 2024 awarded an Honourable Mention to The Damned commenting ‘The Damned is a juggernaut of a film, breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre. Its powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances make it truly deserving of this Special Mention.’

Inspired by the Westfjords of Iceland in the 1800s, The Damned takes place in an unforgiving, almost unlivable setting, yet one that is steeped in immense beauty and turbulent folklore.

For director Thordur Palsson (The Valhalla Murders), himself a native Icelander, it was this folklore and mythology that led him to develop the idea that would later become The Damned. Growing up in Iceland, family members would often share gruesome tales of ghosts, demons and evil spirits.

‘Every Icelander has heard all kinds of different variations of the truth – all elements of our history that have been passed down. One of these stories was about a ship that sank off the shores of Iceland, with all survivors being killed by the natives. Having known of this, I started to write a story relating to it and kept fleshing it out, adding darker elements.’ – Thordur Palsson

Rooted in the depths of Norse Mythology, The Damned features haunting performances from Rory McCann (Game of Thrones), Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley), Turlough Convery (Belfast), Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy), Francis Magee (The Tourist), and Mícheál Óg Lane (Calvary).

Sunray: Fallen Soldier – A War Veteran’s Quest for Justice and Redemption

The action thriller *Sunray: Fallen Soldier* is coming to digital platforms and select cinemas next month. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Military themed action thrillers captivate audiences with their thrilling storylines, high-stakes conflicts, and intense combat sequences. These films often explore themes of heroism, sacrifice, and camaraderie, resonating with viewers who admire resilience and bravery in the face of adversity. They include gripping narratives where soldiers confront dangerous missions, engage in epic battles, and navigate moral dilemmas. Audiences are drawn to the raw emotional intensity of these stories, as well as the adrenaline-pumping action that showcases tactical precision, creating a powerful connection to the characters and their struggles.

Sunray: Fallen Soldier is an action thriller that will be available on digital platforms and select cinemas across the UK and North America on January 24, 2025. It is now available for pre-order on digital download in the UK and US. (Strike Media, 2024)

Sunray: Fallen Soldier – A war veteran calls on friends from his past to hunt down those responsible for the death of his daughter. Along the way, he learns more about himself than he anticipated as a violent crime syndicate unravels in his wake.

After dedicating his entire life to service in the armed forces, Andrew Coleman now struggles to slot back into a world he no longer recognizes. Forced to confront the death of his daughter following a fatal encounter with drugs, he becomes hell-bent on finding those responsible.

With nothing to lose, a violent criminal underworld unravels in his wake. Set against a backdrop of realistic, fast-paced action, guided by high-quality military drills; and created by UK Armed Forces veterans, Sunray challenges the perceptions of mental health and the struggles that soldiers face when re-integrating back into civilian life.

A film by James Clarke and Daniel Shepherd and starring Tip Cullen, Tom Leigh, Steven Blades, and Daniel Davids, Sunray is created by and stars a collective of former British Royal Marines Commandos – the UK’s elite amphibious special operations capable commando force.

Written, directed, produced, edited, and acted by UK Armed Forces veterans, the Sunray team has lived and experienced the direct effects of conflict including the loss of friends.

Veterans were employed across the production both on and off screen. The film is supported by a multi-national veteran and active armed forces community who want more awareness for the sacrifices made by soldiers and the effects of PTSD.

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