Paula Hammond - Features EditorArgylle is one of those films that, for the first 15 minutes, you absolutely hate. Then, slowly, inexorably, the script’s subversive humour starts to work its way under your skin. So that, at the end of the 2 hours and 19 minutes run time you’re standing on your seat shouting “author, author!” at the sheer, audacious silliness of it all.
Elly Conway, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, is the reclusive cat loving author of a series of bestselling espionage novels about the impossibly glamorous secret agent Argylle (Henry Cavill) on a mission to unravel a nefarious spy syndicate. When Elly, with the help of feline hating real life spy Aidan (Sam Rockwell), discovers that her story mirrors the actions of an actual spy organisation, a dangerous game of cat and mouse results. In order to stay one step ahead of the syndicate’s assassins, while also working to prevent a global crisis, these two unlikely conspirators, accompanied by Alfie the cat, find themselves in an adventure story of their own.
Cavill sends his leading-man persona up in fine style— and hat’s off to him for agreeing to a hairstyle that’s only someone with the confidence of Superman could ever pull off. Rockwell runs through his usual tricks and ticks. But it’s Howard who shines, while also proving that you don’t have to be seven foot with cheese-wedge cheekbones to be a smoking hot leading lady. A Whirly Bird, you say? You go, girl!
Argylle is directed by Matthew Vaughn and features a star-studded ensemble including Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Ariana DeBose, Richard E. Grant, Dua Lipa, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, Sofia Boutella, Samuel L. Jackson and Chip, the real-life cat of supermodel Claudia Vaughn (née Schiffer).
Apple Original Films’ Argylle, is available to stream now on Apple TV+
