Angel from Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Introduction

Angel is a notable character in the 2017 film Kingsman: The Golden Circle, directed by Matthew Vaughn. This character is part of the villainous ensemble and plays a significant role in the narrative, particularly in the context of the film’s antagonist, Poppy Adams. Angel is not a deeply developed character in terms of backstory, but their actions and interactions are crucial to the plot and the themes of the movie.

Angel is portrayed by Tom Benedict Knight and is introduced as a prospective henchman for Poppy’s organization, the Golden Circle. This character’s creation and inclusion serve to highlight the brutal and twisted nature of Poppy’s world, adding depth to the film’s dark humor and violent themes.

Role in the Story

Angel’s storyline is intertwined with the central plot of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The film begins with the destruction of the Kingsman headquarters, leading the surviving agents to discover an allied spy organization in the United States, known as the Statesman. Meanwhile, Poppy Adams, the leader of the Golden Circle, is recruiting new members for her organization.

Angel’s journey begins when he is presented with a gruesome challenge by Poppy to prove his worth. He is asked to eat the remains of another servant who has been ground into a meat product, a scene that is both shocking and memorable ^[5]. This act serves as a test of his loyalty and willingness to do whatever it takes to join the Golden Circle.

Throughout the film, Angel’s interactions are primarily with Poppy and other henchmen, showcasing his commitment to the organization and his willingness to carry out violent tasks. His role is pivotal in demonstrating the extreme measures that Poppy’s followers are willing to take, which contrasts sharply with the more refined and ethical approach of the Kingsman and Statesman agents.

Character Analysis

Angel’s personality is defined by his ruthlessness and loyalty to Poppy. He is depicted as someone who is willing to go to extreme lengths to prove himself, which makes him a compelling, if not relatable, character. His motivations are centered around gaining acceptance and power within the Golden Circle, highlighting the themes of ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.

One of the strengths of Angel’s character is his ability to evoke a strong reaction from the audience. His involvement in the cannibal scene is a turning point in the film, marking a shift towards even darker and more twisted events. However, his character also has significant flaws, primarily his lack of empathy and his readiness to engage in violent acts.

Despite his limited screen time, Angel’s character contributes to the overall tension and conflict of the story. His actions and decisions reflect the broader themes of the film, such as the blurred lines between good and evil and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Themes and Symbolism

Angel embodies several key themes in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. One of the most prominent is the theme of violence and its consequences. His willingness to engage in cannibalism serves as a stark contrast to the more civilized world of the Kingsman and Statesman, highlighting the depths of depravity that some individuals can sink to.

Another theme is the power of loyalty and ambition. Angel’s actions are driven by his desire to belong and rise within the Golden Circle, illustrating the lengths people will go to achieve their goals, even if it means compromising their humanity.

Symbolically, Angel represents the darker aspects of human nature, particularly the capacity for violence and the willingness to surrender moral principles for personal gain. His character serves as a foil to the more heroic characters, emphasizing the moral dichotomy between good and evil.

Cultural Impact

Angel’s character, while not a central figure in the film, has had a notable impact on the cultural reception of Kingsman: The Golden Circle. The cannibal scene, in which he is involved, is often cited as one of the most memorable and shocking moments in the movie, contributing to its reputation for dark humor and graphic content.

In terms of adaptations or spin-offs, Angel’s character has not been explored further beyond the film. However, the scene in which he appears has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media, reflecting its impact on popular culture.

Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have had mixed reactions to Angel’s character and the scene in which he is involved. Some have praised the film’s boldness in including such a graphic and unsettling scene, while others have criticized it for being gratuitous and overly violent ^[5].

The character of Angel has also been subject to varying interpretations. Some see him as a symbol of the film’s themes of violence and ambition, while others view him as a one-dimensional character whose sole purpose is to shock the audience.

Legacy

Angel’s enduring appeal lies in the shock value and memorability of the scene in which he appears. While he is not a deeply developed character, his actions have a lasting impact on the narrative and the audience’s perception of the film.

In contemporary discussions, Angel’s character can be seen as part of a broader trend in action films to push the boundaries of violence and dark humor. His inclusion in Kingsman: The Golden Circle reflects the film’s attempt to stand out in a crowded genre by embracing its darker themes.