The review contains spoilers for Argylle.
It was evident from the moment the trailers released that Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle would be a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s outlandish, all over the place, and bonkers in the best way, stacked with a fantastic cast who undoubtedly had a blast while filming. The joy in Argylle is infectious once a viewer releases any preconceived notions of what it should be and chooses to fully embrace all the first-rate tropes it throws into a delicious mixing pot.
A large part of the problem with the film’s unfavorable critical reception is that people are taking it way too seriously. This movie isn’t meant to be the next Bond franchise, nor does it ever market itself to be. It’s also a little comedic that Vaughn’s unique style of filmmaking isn’t a bold giveaway for the kind of narrative that’ll unfold when The Kingsman movies exist. A movie doesn’t always have to be a profound character study with a complex theme to be great—sometimes, movies can and should just be fun. And this one surely is.
Argylle’s Outlandish Narrative and Romance Sub-Plot Make the Film a Blast
The most hilarious thing about Argylle is that the twist was revealed years ago in a press release, but even with the knowledge of who the real agent is, it’s loads of fun to watch it all unfold. The premise is already eccentric, but it’s worth noting that Jason Fuchs’ screenplay is sharp enough to never border on cringeworthy territory. There’s plenty of meat in the character dynamics to sell something that will be indelible, especially for the romance genre girlies. With that said, yes, Argylle is a romance through and through, which is entirely where its appeal comes from with this critic.
Films are so often afraid of pushing romance because prestigious genres consistently disregard anything with an unapologetic happy ending. The idea of Bond getting the girl in the end so often translates to “but later Bond also loses the girl.” We seldom get happy endings in spy dramas, which quite frankly then just makes them overly formulaic, yet who’s out there calling it that when it’s dark and gritty enough to meet the standards the expectations set? Very few, ultimately. Argylle thus does something different by placing love at the centerfold, sprinkling it with the right amount of nuance to make every beat feel earned even while you can’t believe what’s unraveling in front of you because it’s so wildly chaotic.
No storyteller is getting right when it comes to espionage in film and television—that’s part of the appeal because most filmmakers aren’t actual spies. And so much of what we know is embellished, no matter how accurate it tries to be, so it’s a little ironic not to admit that the dramatization is part of the appeal. Anyone who watched and adored NBC’s Chuck will tell you that the eccentric twist is part of its charm. And in some ways, the romance in Argylle is ultimately how I imagine Chuck could continue if it ever does.
As a leading lady, Bryce Dallas Howard’s Elly Conway is a fantastic character to follow along with. The journey she goes on is pretty darn rewarding, no matter how predictable, and the shifts between Elly and Rachel give Howard meaty material to work with—skating through a gas leak with knives under her boots? Iconic. Who wouldn’t want to do that? The film ensures that the character’s arc toward unlocking her memories feels earned, which is part of the reason why it’s so gripping when you let it play along as it wants to.
Pair Bryce Dallas Howard with a chameleon actor like Sam Rockwell, and you’ve got yourself the kind of duo worth investing in for multiple films. As an avid romance reader, I initially assumed the two would fall in love along the way, but to learn that they were in love is a detail I didn’t know I needed until it was revealed. (Tying it all back to Henry Cavill’s agent Argylle, and John Cena’s Wyatt is just icing on the top of the cake.)
We might not get their initial meet cute, but the chemistry is enough to make their relationship worth investing in. Rockwell is so genuinely vulnerable when he confesses it all that the butterflies are bound to start a frenzy for anyone who’s into adorable affirmations. Cavill fully leans into every stereotype of a suave spy despite the absurd hairstyle working against him. Dua Lipa should’ve had more screen time. Catherine O’Hara is as brilliant as ever. Bryan Cranston is delightfully sinister. Ariana DeBose effectively steals every scene she’s in. Samuel L. Jackson works his magic through and through, and despite CGI shenanigans, Alfie the Cat wins all the brownie points.
In short, Argylle is a joy ride from beginning to end. The romance is substantial, the cast sells their character traits with plenty of layers and magnetism, and the plot brings plenty of elation. Lorne Balfe’s original score adds essential emotions and elevates every scene, making the film even more riveting. Go in with an open mind and you’ll have a good time. It’s really that simple
Argylle is now playing in theaters.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Universal Pictures | Apple TV+