Jason Fuchs pens a spy comedy with a promising start but loses its charm. Director Matthew Vaughn’s “Argylle” dives into absurdity, testing the limits of violence and narrative coherence.
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Argylle (2024)
In a cinematic escapade that begins with flair but careens into chaos, “Argylle,” a spy comedy by Jason Fuchs and directed by Matthew Vaughn, takes audiences on a wild ride. Despite a strong start, the film’s third act transforms it into an insufferable live-action cartoon that defies even the director’s penchant for over-the-top storytelling.
The plot unfolds with a stylish prologue introducing spy extraordinaire Argylle (Henry Cavill), whose encounter with a femme fatale sets the stage for a rambunctious chase involving colleagues Wyatt (John Cena) and Keira (Ariana DeBose). However, as the mission goes awry, our protagonists find themselves isolated from their agency handlers, leading to a surprising twist.
The revelation occurs when author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), at a bookstore event, reads aloud the supposed final chapter of a popular spy series. The series mirrors real-world events with uncanny precision, leaving fans intrigued by Elly’s storytelling prowess.
At home with her cat Alfie, Elly’s unique writing process involves embodying her series’ character, played by Cavill, for inspiration. However, her latest cliffhanger conclusion sparks controversy with her No. 1 fan, her mother Ruth (Catherine O’Hara). The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Elly embarks on a journey to brainstorm the disputed final chapter.
The plot thickens as Elly, accompanied by her beloved cat in a cute hard-shell capsule, boards a train. Along the way, she encounters Aidan (Sam Rockwell), a scruffy fan who proves to be more than meets the eye. The duo faces a sudden onslaught of assassins working for the nefarious Ritter (Bryan Cranston), unveiling a web of intrigue that expands to include Saba Al-Badr (Sofia Boutella) and retired spymaster Alfred “Alfie” Solomon (Samuel L. Jackson).
As the second act unfolds, the film toys with the notion that “all is not as it seems,” delivering slick twists and turns that initially captivate the audience. However, the narrative soon succumbs to an excess of triple-crosses and a convoluted plot that strains to maintain coherence.
Elly, portrayed by Howard, emerges as a captivating protagonist, navigating the madness with a blend of flustered bewilderment and occasional steeliness. Rockwell’s Aidan brings deadpan humor and sighs, attempting to guide Elly through the chaos.
Despite commendable performances, the film’s true star is Alfie, an expressive Scottish Fold tabby, owned by Vaughn and Claudia Schiffer. Alfie’s adorable presence and unexpected role in the proceedings add a touch of charm to an otherwise faltering narrative.
While “Argylle” has its moments, the prolonged and progressively absurd conclusion undermines the goodwill garnered in the first act. As the film descends into gratuitous violence, one wonders if Vaughn intends to turn this into a series. Only time will reveal whether “Argylle” remains a singular misstep or evolves into a chaotic franchise.
Argylle (2024) Watch trailer
