The Amateur Parental Guide: Is It OK for Teens?

Nivedita Dubey
April 12, 2025

Summary:

The Amateur (2025) is Rated PG-13 for violence and language, with themes of grief and terrorism.
Violence is intense but not graphic, and there’s no sexual content or nudity.
Best suited for teens 14+, especially those interested in spy thrillers.

The Amateur (2025), starring Rami Malek, is a PG-13 espionage thriller that blends action, emotional depth, and mature themes. With terrorism, grief, and CIA conspiracies central to the story, parents may want a clear breakdown before deciding if it’s right for their teens.

What Is the MPAA Rating for The Amateur and What Does It Mean?

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has rated The Amateur PG-13 for “some strong violence and language.” This rating suggests that children under 13 may find the content unsuitable and parental guidance is recommended for teens.

The film’s classification places it alongside other action thrillers like The Bourne Identity, offering intense scenes without excessive gore or explicit content. The focus on mature themes such as terrorism, grief, and revenge—adds emotional weight that may require parental context for younger viewers.

How Violent Is The Amateur and What Should Parents Know?

Violence is a significant component of The Amateur, though it avoids gratuitous gore. Expect frequent hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and explosions throughout the film. The plot centers on Charlie Heller (Rami Malek), a CIA codebreaker seeking vengeance for his wife’s death, and his journey involves a series of carefully planned confrontations.

Key scenes include:

A terrorist attack in London depicted through CCTV and phone footage, showing injuries but no graphic bloodshed.
Strategic kills, such as draining a pool cavity to drop a target or sabotaging a boat’s navigation system.
A car crash and shootout, edited quickly to maintain suspense without lingering on injury details.

The film’s violence is meant to reflect high-stakes espionage, with Common Sense Media describing it as “controlled” and “not overly graphic.” Still, the terrorism angle and scenes of grief may unsettle sensitive viewers.

Parental guidance is advised for teens under 14, especially those with past experiences related to loss or global violence. Parents may want to provide context about the emotional motivations behind the violence to help teens understand its narrative purpose.

Does The Amateur Contain Profanity or Inappropriate Language?

Language in The Amateur is moderate to strong, consistent with many PG-13 thrillers. Viewers can expect:

Occasional profanity, including “shit,” “damn,” and possibly “fuck” in moments of extreme tension.
Dialogue reflecting CIA operations, betrayal, and grief, with language that mirrors the film’s emotional weight.

No instances of slurs or derogatory terms have been reported. The profanity is situational, driven by the high-pressure circumstances rather than casual overuse.

Parents of younger teens may want to be aware of the language but should note that it’s less frequent than in R-rated action films and doesn’t dominate the screenplay.

Is There Any Sexual Content or Nudity in The Amateur?

The Amateur is free from nudity and explicit sexual content. Its emotional core is Charlie’s love for his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan), conveyed through:

Brief flashbacks and tender moments, like a kiss or affectionate gestures.
No suggestive dialogue or intimate scenes, maintaining a focus on emotional rather than physical intimacy.

This aspect of the film is appropriate for all ages, offering a refreshing change from more romance-heavy action films. Parents concerned about sexual content can be assured that the film keeps the focus squarely on grief and personal transformation.

Are Alcohol or Drugs Featured in the Film?

Substance use is minimal in The Amateur. Alcohol appears in a few scenes:

A bar in Marseille shows characters drinking, mostly as part of a tense confrontation between Charlie and Henderson.
No characters are shown intoxicated or engaging in excessive drinking.
No drug use is depicted.

The use of alcohol is contextual rather than promotional, often tied to stress or strategic manipulation. For example, drinks are used during tense conversations, not celebratory or party scenes.

Parents may choose to discuss how alcohol is portrayed and whether it’s shown as a coping mechanism. Still, the film does not glamorize or focus on substance use, and it does not play a central role in the story.

What Mature Themes Appear in The Amateur and How Are They Handled?

The film explores several mature and emotionally heavy themes, including:

Grief and trauma, as Charlie processes his wife’s death.
Vengeance vs. justice, raising ethical questions about taking justice into one’s hands.
Government corruption, with betrayal from within the CIA.
Terrorism, particularly in the opening act’s London bombing.
Possible neurodivergence, as Charlie displays traits associated with autism (social difficulty, high-functioning genius), though never directly labeled.

These themes are complex and potentially intense, especially for younger or sensitive teens. The film does not dwell on philosophical discussions, but it presents morally ambiguous scenarios that invite reflection.

Parents may want to guide post-viewing discussions, using the story as a way to talk about:

Ethics in revenge: Was Charlie justified in going rogue?
Coping with grief: How did his emotions shape his actions?
Institutional trust: What happens when those in power are corrupt?

Is The Amateur Suitable for Kids and Teens?

Considering its content and tone, The Amateur is best suited for:

Teens aged 14 and up, especially those interested in spy thrillers or emotionally complex stories.
Younger teens (13) may be able to watch with parental supervision and discussion.
Children under 13 may find the tone, violence, and themes too intense or confusing.

The film runs 2 hours and 3 minutes, with a slow-burn pacing that builds tension rather than relying on constant action. Its visual style, described as “underlit” and “moody,” complements its emotional and suspenseful storytelling.

Parents can help gauge readiness by:

Watching the official trailer for tone and pacing.
Reviewing ratings by sites like Common Sense Media or Kids-In-Mind.
Talking through expectations, especially if teens have dealt with loss or trauma.

READ MORE: Where was The Amateur filmed?

When and Where Can You Watch The Amateur?

As of April 11, 2025, The Amateur is currently playing in theaters across the U.S. Streaming details include:

Expected streaming window: June 2025.
Likely release on Hulu or Disney+, as both have distribution rights to 20th Century Studios releases.
Check Fandango or local theater listings for showtimes and availability.

Source: IMDb

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