Matthew Vaughn returns to the spy genre with Argylle, his latest project following his work on the Kingsman series. However, the buzz surrounding the film has been more about the intriguing backstory than the movie itself.
Initially announced in June 2021, Argylle was said to be based on an upcoming novel by debut author Elly Conway. The mystery around Conway’s identity was heightened when it was revealed that Bryce Dallas Howard would portray her in the film. Some speculated that Taylor Swift might be the elusive author, but Vaughn has dispelled that rumor. As Argylle hits theaters, the true novel by Conway has been released, though the film isn’t an adaptation of that book.
The premise of an original franchise launch is engaging, but unfortunately, the film’s initial uniqueness gives way to a more conventional and lengthy narrative.
In Argylle, we follow Elly Conway (the fictional character, not the real author), a bestselling author battling writer’s block while trying to complete her latest Argylle series installment. She believes a visit to her mother (Catherine O’Hara) will help, but her plans are derailed when real-life spy Aidan (Sam Rockwell) arrives and attackers target her on the train.
As a result, Elly begins to blur the lines between reality and her fictional world where the character Argylle (Henry Cavill) exists. While trying to understand how her books are mirroring real events, she navigates threats from assassins with Aidan’s aid. The challenge for Elly is discerning whom she can trust amid her confusion between fiction and reality.
Vaughn’s first Kingsman film demonstrated his ability to revamp the spy genre, and Argylle initially appears to follow a similar path. The film’s premise allows Vaughn to blend traditional spy elements with a meta twist, featuring familiar spy tropes such as a femme fatale (Dua Lipa in a cameo) while parodying these elements through the real world setting.
Argylle : A Missed Opportunity for Meta Brilliance
The casting of Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell adds a refreshing dynamic. Their unconventional roles contrast with Henry Cavill’s suave portrayal of Argylle, providing a unique take on the genre. The early scenes, including a train fight where Elly envisions both Aidan and Argylle fighting alongside her, offer a playful meta twist.
However, the film soon abandons this innovative approach. As the narrative unfolds, it descends into a more standard spy thriller with predictable twists and turns. This shift diminishes the film’s originality, making it feel convoluted rather than inventive. Classic spy tropes are employed but lack fresh elements, and the film’s lengthy runtime could benefit from fewer plot twists.
Despite this, Argylle does have moments of brilliance, such as a late dance fight set to Leona Lewis’s cover of “Run,” showcasing Vaughn’s distinctive style with its visually striking and emotionally charged choreography.
The film’s frequent action sequences, choreographed by the late Brad Allan, will appeal to Vaughn’s fans, characterized by his signature high-energy editing and eclectic soundtrack choices. While Argylle might find a more fitting audience on Apple TV+ for casual viewing, it missed the opportunity to fully capitalize on its unique meta concept.
