Caitríona Balfe’s Inquiline: The ‘Outlander’ Star Talks About Her Newest Project ‘The Amateur’

In the upcoming spy thriller The Amateur, which is out in theaters today, Caitríona Balfe delivers a captivating performance as Inquiline, an enigmatic hacker whose secrets unravel alongside Charlie Heller’s gripping revenge quest.

Set against the vibrant yet shadowy backdrop of Istanbul, Inquiline’s story blends loss, courage, and relentless determination, making her the unexpected heartbeat of this modern espionage tale.

Balfe’s character, Inquiline, is a woman deeply scarred by tragedy—the devastating loss of her husband. Retreating into isolation, she becomes a shadowy figure living off the grid. Yet, her solitude masks a fierce resolve to fight corruption and expose institutional wrongdoing, including taking on the formidable CIA. This striking duality—the reclusive vigilante with an uncompromising sense of justice—creates a compelling contradiction at the core of Balfe’s performance.

“She hides from the world yet displays great courage and moral clarity,” Balfe reveals, highlighting the intriguing complexity of her character.

The name “Inquiline,” inspired by creatures that stealthily occupy others’ nests, symbolizes her covert infiltration into digital strongholds, skillfully dismantling oppressive power structures. Balfe herself significantly shaped Inquiline’s nuanced inner world, crafting an authentic and richly layered persona.

Emotional Chemistry with Rami Malek’s Charlie Heller

The Amateur‘s emotional core is the relationship between Inquiline and Charlie Heller, portrayed by Rami Malek. Initially unseen and enigmatic, Inquiline surprises Charlie upon their first meeting—he anticipates a seasoned male hacker and instead finds a woman whose complexity mirrors his own grief and resilience. Their relationship grows from cautious curiosity to heartfelt camaraderie, breathing emotional depth into the narrative and revitalizing Charlie’s resolve amidst his personal loss.

Balfe emphasizes this emotional resonance: “Even though she’s retreated from the world, she’s intent on exposing corruption and bringing people to justice… She’s a hero in my eyes.” 

The Amateur marks a refreshing departure from conventional spy thrillers, highlighting intelligence and ingenuity over brute force. Charlie Heller, initially a humble cryptographer thrust into espionage after his wife’s murder, finds his most crucial ally in Inquiline. Director James Hawes’ creative decision to introduce Inquiline—a character absent from Robert Littell’s original novel—adds emotional depth and narrative complexity, making the film resonate profoundly.

“Working alongside Rami Malek allowed me to organically develop Inquiline’s motivations and actions,” Balfe explains, underscoring how their characters’ intertwined journeys amplify the film’s exploration of vengeance, loss, and resilience.

Filming Isolation in Marseille as Istanbul

The evocative setting of Istanbul significantly informs Inquiline’s secluded lifestyle, though her scenes were intriguingly filmed in a remote fishing village near Marseille, France.

Balfe recalls, “It felt like somewhere that somebody would go to disappear,” perfectly capturing the sense of isolation crucial to her character’s emotional landscape and emphasizing her role as an outsider challenging global institutions.

Inquiline: The Secret Weapon Behind The Amateur

Inquiline isn’t merely an ally to Charlie—she embodies the emotional and thematic core of The Amateur. Her capacity to transform personal tragedy into purposeful action mirrors Charlie’s own narrative arc, making her indispensable both emotionally and strategically. Balfe’s compelling performance ensures that Inquiline, despite her limited screen time, will leave audiences captivated and eager for more.

Catch Caitríona Balfe as Inquiline when The Amateur, now out in theaters! For more with Caitríona, check out the full interview below!