Sometimes ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they get the right push. That’s the premise of The Amateur, a new film starring Rami Malek based on the novel from Robert Littell. This isn’t the first time the story has been adapted, but it is a fascinating update on the story that makes its way to theater this weekend.

We’re introduced to Charlie Heller (Malek) and his wife, Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan). They are very much in love, but very different. Charlie is addicted to his puzzles, working as a top analyst for the CIA. Sarah is more grounded to the real world, heading off to London for a conference.

Charlie reports to work where a secret contact shares a file. When he opens it, finally, Charlie discovers that the file shows some dirty deeds by the agency, and the lengths gone to cover it up by Director Moore (Holt McCallany). Charlie is so locked into his puzzles; he doesn’t get to connect with his wife. Turns out he never will.

The next day, Charlie learns Sarah has been killed by terrorists when their meeting when wrong. He’s devastated but uses his skills to find the killers. When he shares his findings with Moore, he doesn’t get much of a response. So, Charlie uses what he’s found to blackmail Moore into giving him the training needed to exact his own revenge.

Charlie is paired with Col. Henderson (Laurence Fishburne). Even after a few weeks of training, Charlie doesn’t exhibit the traits of being much of an agent. With Moore’s patience ended, Charlie strikes off on his own to do what needs to be done.

This film is based on the novel but is also another adaptation after Littell worked to adapt his own book into a film of the same name in 1981. That one has more of a focus on Cold War connections to East Germany and Russia, but the basic idea is the same. However, the execution here is a lot more engaging.

This version takes time to focus on the relationship between Charlie and Sarah, something that was missing in 1981. That’s a credit to writers Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli. I also enjoyed the way we follow Charlie and his progress through this mission, ending with a Third Act that offers a surprising and satisfying twist.

There are some good performances, too. Fishburne, Brosnahan, Caitriona Balfe, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Jon Bernthal do a nice job in supporting roles. But this is really about Malek, who carries the bulk of the narrative in nearly every scene. He does a nice job as the lead, creating a character you want to root for with this film.

Not all the storylines worked, but the main story is put together well enough. These kind of films just need a solid lead and enough entertainment in the main plot to be an entertaining and satisfying ride.

The Amateur opens in theaters Friday, April 11.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.