Argylle

Introduction

Argylle, directed by Matthew Vaughn, is the latest addition to the spy genre, and it has garnered significant attention for its connections to Vaughn’s earlier work, particularly the Kingsman franchise. Released in 2024, Argylle is based on the novel of the same name by Ellie Conway, although the film takes creative liberties to expand the narrative. The movie boasts a star-studded cast, including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, and Dua Lipa, among others.

Matthew Vaughn, known for his work on Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and X-Men: First Class, brings his signature style of high-octane action and witty humor to Argylle. The film was produced by Vaughn’s production company, Marv Films, in collaboration with other studios, and it had a substantial budget of $200 million.

What sets Argylle apart is its ambitious attempt to create a shared universe with the Kingsman franchise. Vaughn envisions a larger spy universe, connecting multiple franchises under his creative umbrella, a concept that adds a new layer of complexity and excitement to the traditional spy genre.

Plot Summary

The film opens in Greece, where Aubrey Argylle (Henry Cavill), a suave British spy, is on a mission to capture a terrorist named LaGrange (Dua Lipa). After a brief but intense encounter, Argylle’s partner Keira (Ariana DeBose) is injured, and Argylle must navigate through a complex web of espionage to uncover the truth behind LaGrange’s employer.

The story takes a significant turn when it shifts focus to Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), an aspiring writer who discovers that her novels are not mere fiction but actual memories of her past life as a spy. Her real name is Rachel Kylle (Agent R. Kylle), and she had lost her memory after a mission gone wrong. As Elly delves deeper into her past, she must confront her former life and the villains who have been manipulating her.

The plot is filled with high-stakes action, intricate plot twists, and a blend of humor and drama. The film culminates in a thrilling finale where Elly, now aware of her true identity, takes on her enemies with the help of her ally Aiden (Sam Rockwell)[2].

Themes and Symbolism

Argylle explores several central themes that contribute to its storytelling and resonance with audiences. One of the primary themes is the concept of identity and memory. Elly’s journey from an aspiring writer to a rediscovered spy highlights the complexities of identity and how memories shape who we are. This theme is symbolically represented through Elly’s hallucinations and her gradual recall of her past life.

Another significant theme is the power of deception and manipulation. The film showcases how characters like Ritter and Vogler manipulate Elly’s life, making her believe she was always an aspiring writer. This theme is symbolized through the use of false identities and the blurring of reality and fiction.

The film also touches on the theme of empowerment, particularly through Elly’s character. As she regains her memories and confronts her past, she becomes a powerful and independent individual, symbolizing the transformation from victim to hero[2].

Cultural Impact

Despite its underperformance at the box office, Argylle has made a notable impact on popular culture. The film’s connection to the Kingsman franchise has sparked significant interest among fans of the spy genre. The mid-credits scene, which shows a young Agent Argylle at a bar named The King’s Man, confirms that Argylle is part of the same universe as Kingsman. This crossover has generated excitement about the potential for future interconnected films within this shared universe ^[1].

The film’s reception has been mixed, with critics giving it a low score on Rotten Tomatoes (35%), but audiences have been more positive, with an audience score of 70% ^[5]. This dichotomy reflects the different expectations and interpretations of the film’s execution and themes.

Critical Reception

Argylle received a lukewarm response from critics, who criticized its convoluted plot, excessive action sequences, and what some saw as a lack of originality. The film’s critical reception was the lowest among Matthew Vaughn’s directed films on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a disconnect between the film’s ambitions and its execution ^[5].

However, audiences have been more forgiving, appreciating the film’s action-packed sequences, the performances of the cast, and the intriguing plot twists. This disparity highlights the different perspectives on what makes a film successful, with critics focusing more on the film’s artistic and narrative merits and audiences enjoying it for its entertainment value.

Legacy

Despite its initial commercial and critical setbacks, Argylle is likely to leave a lasting impact on the spy genre and Matthew Vaughn’s filmography. The film’s attempt to create a shared universe with Kingsman opens up possibilities for future crossovers and expansions within this universe.

Vaughn’s vision of a interconnected spy franchise is ambitious and could inspire other filmmakers to explore similar concepts. The film’s themes of identity, deception, and empowerment will continue to resonate with audiences, making it a memorable addition to the spy genre.

In conclusion, Argylle is a film that, while flawed, contributes significantly to the spy genre and Matthew Vaughn’s creative legacy. Its connections to Kingsman, its exploration of complex themes, and its action-packed narrative ensure that it will remain a topic of discussion among film enthusiasts.