Initially interested in Argylle because of Director Matthew Vaughn, I didn’t follow this film’s road to the silver screen. So I rocked up the cinema firmly believing that Elly Conway was the author of the book the script was based on, unaware that she was revealed to be the fictional author of the in-universe Argylle novels. I’m on social media but I spend more time with my books and TV shows to really know what’s going on with a movie besides a new trailer or piece of casting news. The whole Taylor Swift might have written it rumor never even reached me before seeing the movie and writing this very review.

Elly Conway, is in fact the character portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, she’s an introverted spy novelist who seldom leaves her home. She is drawn into the real world of espionage when the plots of her books, featuring a fictional secret agent named Argylle (Henry Cavill), get a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate. When Aidan (Sam Rockwell), an undercover spy, shows up to save her from being kidnapped or killed, Elly and her beloved cat Alfie are plunged into a covert world where nothing and no one are what they seem, including to the discovery that Agent Argylle, in fact, exists for real.

The movie was actually written by Jason Fuchs (The Passage, Wonder Woman, Pan), not sure if the published Argylle book was also written by him, didn’t check. The film also includes Bryan Cranston (John Carter), Catherine O’Hara (Pain Hustlers, Schitt’s Creek), John Cena (TMNT: Mutant Mayhem), Dua Lipa (Barbie), Sofia Boutella (Rebel Moon, Kingsman), Rob Delaney (The School for Good and Evil, The Man Who Fell to Earth), Jing Lusi (SAS: Red Notice), Ariana DeBose (West Side Story, The Prom, Hamilton) and Samuel L. Jackson in the cast.

Vaughn is taking us on a rollercoaster of a film that blends over-the-top action with a healthy dose of silly comedy. Argylle has a vibe reminiscent of The Kingsman movies, Vaughn’s touch is apparent in the film’s aesthetic, but Argylle carves its own niche as a fun and twisty comedy.

Howard and Rockwell are the true leads, portraying characters that feel surprisingly grounded in this over-the-top spy thriller caper. Their performances bring a nice touch to the movie, even making the extraordinary action sequences that unfold all the more amusing.

The action scenes in Argylle are not only good but also extensive. Some are VFX heavy but they start off with a semblance of realism but gradually tip towards the extraordinary, offering audiences a delightful spectacle of Fast and Furiousesque sequences. The gradual escalation keeps viewers hooked, wondering what incredible stunt or twist will come next.

This movie sets itself apart with its multi-layered narrative. The film weaves between three layers: the fiction within Elly’s books, Elly’s own life, and the elusive truth that connects them. The storytelling approach introduces numerous surprises, keeping the audience engaged and guessing until the very end. Vaughn masterfully juggles these layers, creating a narrative that is both intricate and entertaining.

However, not all aspects of the film hit the mark. The mid-credit scene, which seems to hint at a connection to The Kingsman universe, left me scratching my head. Some may find it intriguing, the inclusion of Kingsman alums in the cast raises questions about the coherence of this connection. It’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise exhilarating cinematic experience.

In the end, Argylle is a must-watch for those seeking a blend of laughter, action, and unexpected twists. Vaughn’s directorial prowess shines through, and the dynamic duo of Howard and Rockwell delivers a memorable performance. Despite a questionable mid-credit scene, the film stands out as a thrilling addition to the spy-comedy genre, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating what Matthew Vaughn has in store for them next.

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