I watched Argylle and I liked it. 3.5/5
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Argylle is a slick, action-packed spy thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s part of its charm. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, Argylle introduces us to the world of espionage through the eyes of Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), a reclusive writer whose fictional spy novels unwittingly mirror real-world intelligence operations. What follows is a whirlwind of action, laughs, and plot twists that play with spy genre conventions in classic Vaughn fashion. While Argylle might not redefine the genre, it’s a thoroughly entertaining ride with enough style and humor to stand out.
The story kicks off with Conway’s protagonist, Argylle, a suave, deadly spy played by Henry Cavill, who looks every bit the part with his slicked-back hair and sharp suit. When the lines between Elly’s fiction and reality blur, she’s pulled into a globe-trotting adventure she could have only dreamed up, encountering real spies, assassins, and conspiracies along the way. It’s a clever premise that lets the movie toy with spy tropes, flipping them on their heads while still indulging in the sleek, high-stakes world of espionage.
Bryce Dallas Howard is fantastic as Elly, bringing a mix of wit, vulnerability, and resilience to her role as an author who’s in way over her head. Howard’s comedic timing is spot-on, and she manages to sell the premise of an everyday writer-turned-unlikely-hero with just the right amount of self-awareness. Henry Cavill, on the other hand, is pure charisma as Argylle, delivering an amusingly over-the-top performance as a super-spy who’s equal parts deadly and debonair. Cavill’s scenes feel like a love letter to classic James Bond, and his chemistry with Howard’s Elly gives the film an engaging dynamic.
The supporting cast is equally fun, with Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, and Dua Lipa adding flair to the film. Rockwell, as an eccentric spy handler, brings a wry humor to his role, and Samuel L. Jackson has a blast as a fellow spy who isn’t afraid to break a few rules. Even Dua Lipa, in a smaller role, makes a memorable impression, adding a pop of energy to the film’s already fast-paced vibe. The ensemble helps flesh out Vaughn’s heightened world, bringing a mix of personalities that keep the story engaging and unpredictable.
Visually, Argylle is classic Matthew Vaughn: kinetic, colorful, and stylish. The action sequences are choreographed with precision, blending slick hand-to-hand combat with gunfights and high-speed chases that keep you on the edge of your seat. Vaughn’s direction keeps the pacing brisk, cutting between Elly’s unraveling real-life adventure and Argylle’s fictional escapades in a way that creates a dynamic, entertaining rhythm. There’s a playful quality to the visuals, from the high-tech spy gadgets to the vibrant set pieces, and it all adds to the movie’s tongue-in-cheek take on the genre.
That said, Argylle does stumble in a few places. The plot, while clever, occasionally leans too hard on genre clichés, and the twists can feel predictable for anyone familiar with spy movies. Vaughn has a clear love for the genre, but there are moments when the film feels almost too comfortable following the spy movie playbook. Additionally, as the lines blur between Elly’s fictional world and reality, the story sometimes struggles to balance its tone, shifting from high-stakes action to self-aware comedy in ways that can feel jarring.
Despite these flaws, Argylle succeeds in being exactly what it set out to be: a fun, high-energy homage to the spy genre with a modern twist. The movie doesn’t aim to be a groundbreaking thriller, but rather an escapist action-comedy that plays with familiar tropes in fresh ways. It’s got all the hallmarks of a Matthew Vaughn film—stylized action, quick wit, and a touch of camp—and for fans of his work, it delivers the kind of spectacle you’d hope for.
In the end, Argylle may not reinvent the spy movie, but it doesn’t need to. With a charismatic cast, clever premise, and enough action to keep things exciting, it’s a solid addition to the genre that’s easy to enjoy. If you’re in the mood for a slick, stylish spy thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Argylle is well worth the watch. Just sit back, enjoy the ride, and let Vaughn’s high-stakes, high-glamour world sweep you away.