The action-packed spy thriller “The Amateur,” directed by James Hawes, has achieved a remarkable surge in popularity, unexpectedly claiming the top spot on Hulu’s most-watched movies list in the United States just three months following its initial release. The film, which stars Rami Malek as a determined CIA cryptographer on a quest for revenge following the death of his wife, is also garnering significant attention and viewership on Disney+ platforms internationally.
A Streaming Resurgence
The unexpected success of “The Amateur” on streaming services presents a notable contrast to its performance during its initial theatrical run. This turnaround highlights a growing trend within the film industry, where movies that may not have initially set the box office alight are finding a substantial new audience and achieving considerable success once they become available on streaming platforms. Industry observers attribute this phenomenon to a confluence of factors, including the escalating cost of movie tickets in cinemas and the increasing preference among consumers for the convenience and accessibility offered by home streaming.
Broader Industry Trends
“The Amateur’s” streaming triumph is not an isolated incident but rather mirrors a broader pattern observed with other recent film releases. Several movies have experienced a similar trajectory, gaining traction and engaging viewers through streaming services after what could be considered underwhelming box office performances. Examples of this trend include Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated film “Mickey 17” and Disney’s live-action reimagining of “Snow White,” both of which have found a renewed and appreciative audience in the streaming landscape.
Audience Reception and Streaming’s Impact
The strong performance of “The Amateur” on Hulu and Disney+ is further bolstered by its positive audience reception. The film boasts an impressive 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a clear indicator that viewers who engaged with the movie were, for the most part, thoroughly entertained and satisfied. This high audience score suggests that while the film may not have reached its full potential in theaters, the fundamental quality of the storytelling and execution resonated with those who did watch it. Once the barrier to entry was lowered through the widespread availability of streaming, this pre-existing positive sentiment appears to have translated into significant viewership numbers. The accessibility of streaming services has evidently allowed “The Amateur” to connect with a much broader audience than it initially reached in cinemas, proving that a film’s journey to success can sometimes extend far beyond its initial theatrical release.
