Argylle Review

Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle attempts to merge a meta-literary premise with the high-stakes flair of a spy thriller, but the result is a muddled film that struggles to live up to its potential. Despite a stellar cast and a few standout moments, the film’s overcomplicated narrative and lack of tonal consistency make it feel more exhausting than entertaining.

The story follows Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard), a bestselling author whose spy novels uncannily predict real-world espionage events. When her latest book catches the attention of covert operatives, Elly is swept into a dangerous world where fiction and reality blur. Undercover spy Aiden (Sam Rockwell) becomes her reluctant protector as assassins, led by Bryan Cranston’s Division, close in, believing she holds the key to a mysterious flash drive.

At first, Argylle sets itself up as a playful parody of the spy genre, poking fun at over-the-top conventions with its fictionalized hero, Henry Cavill’s flamboyant Argylle, and a zany opening sequence. However, the film quickly shifts gears, trying to balance self-aware humor with earnest action and dramatic twists. Unfortunately, this tonal inconsistency undercuts both the comedy and the suspense, leaving the audience unsure of how seriously to take the story.

The performances are a saving grace in an otherwise chaotic film. Bryce Dallas Howard is engaging as Elly, particularly when the film leans into her awkward, fish-out-of-water charm. Sam Rockwell’s Aiden brings charisma and dry wit, though his role is often bogged down by the script’s insistence on constant plot twists. Henry Cavill’s Argylle provides some humor in his intentionally exaggerated portrayal, but he remains more of a caricature than a fully realized character. Supporting players like Samuel L. Jackson and Catherine O’Hara shine in their limited roles, though many other notable names — such as Ariana DeBose and Richard E. Grant — are wasted in forgettable parts.

Visually, the film is inconsistent. While some action sequences stand out for their creativity — like an oil-slicked knife fight on ice skates — the majority of the set pieces feel uninspired or poorly executed, with glaringly fake CGI and green-screen effects that detract from the immersion. Vaughn’s usual flair for sleek, kinetic choreography is largely absent here, and the lack of an R-rating further dampens the impact of the action.

The script by Jason Fuchs suffers from overambition, cramming in too many twists and plotlines that ultimately dilute the film’s focus. The meta concept of blending Elly’s fiction with reality is intriguing but underexplored, and the transitions between the two realms, while occasionally clever, fail to deliver a cohesive narrative. The villains are especially underdeveloped, with unclear motivations that make their threat feel hollow. By the time the film reaches its climax, the sheer number of contrivances and absurd twists renders the story difficult to take seriously.

That said, Argylle isn’t entirely devoid of entertainment value. There are moments of genuine humor, particularly in the interactions between Howard and Rockwell, and the film occasionally uses its meta premise to clever effect. The soundtrack, including an over-the-top use of the Beatles’ “Now and Then,” adds a playful energy, even if the execution feels heavy-handed.

Argylle feels like a missed opportunity. What could have been a sharp, self-aware parody of the spy genre instead devolves into a bloated, uneven film that struggles to find its identity. While it has flashes of charm and creativity, they’re not enough to overcome the film’s many missteps. Save this one for a streaming night when subtitles and the rewind button can help make sense of the chaos.