Argylle is an action thriller directed by Matthew Vaughn and boasts a star-studded cast, including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dua Lipa, and Samuel L. Jackson, among others. The story revolves around an introverted novelist who finds herself thrust into the world of espionage when the events of her latest spy novel parallel the crimes of a dangerous underground syndicate.
Despite the high expectations surrounding Argylle, the movie has struggled both critically and commercially. Critics have given the film generally negative reviews, noting several flaws in its story, such as plot conveniences, a predictable final twist, and incomprehensible meta storytelling. The movie's overstuffed ensemble cast also raised eyebrows, leading some to believe that the marketing focused more on the various famous faces rather than developing substantial characters for them.
Leading up to its release, Argylle faced mixed anticipation. Audiences were particularly divided over Henry Cavill's peculiar hair design, and there were doubts about whether Matthew Vaughn's meta-driven plot could effectively blend with his stylized action. These concerns ultimately proved valid, as Argylle became Vaughn's lowest-reviewed directorial effort to date on Rotten Tomatoes.
One of the main criticisms directed at Argylle was its convoluted plot. While the concept of fictional properties intertwining with real-world characters is not entirely new, Vaughn's film took it to a whole new level by introducing numerous twists that left audiences perplexed as to which universe was the true one. This confusion was further exacerbated by the movie's ending and mid-credits scenes, which revealed Henry Cavill as another 'real' Argylle, and raised questions about Bryce Dallas Howard's character being the true Argylle.
Despite its underwhelming performance, Matthew Vaughn has ambitious plans for the Argylle franchise. He envisions a direct sequel featuring Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell's characters, as well as a prequel that delves into the origins of the titular agent, as hinted at in the mid-credits scene. Vaughn also intends to complete a trilogy in this multi-layered universe. However, it remains to be seen whether Vaughn's vision for a complex franchise based on a unique property will resonate with audiences or require further refinement.
In conclusion, Argylle may not have lived up to its potential as an action thriller. The film has faced criticism for its complicated plot, overcrowded ensemble cast, and inability to strike a balance between the meta-driven narrative and stylized action. Despite director Matthew Vaughn's ambitious plans for a franchise, the movie's mixed anticipation and negative reviews suggest that some adjustments may be necessary to keep audiences engaged in this complex and intriguing world.
