Navigating the Action: A Parent’s Guide to Argylle

Argylle is a spy movie with more twists and turns than your average movie dealing with espionage. While it is directed by Matthew Vaughn, who is known for his R-rated movies, Argylle carries a PG-13 rating. But is this movie suitable for children. My Argylle Christian Movie Review gives you the information you need before seeing this film with your children.

First, I noticed right away; Argylle didn’t hold back on stylized violence. It packs a punch with martial arts and explosions. Yet, it shows hardly any blood. The main character’s journey from vulnerability to empowerment caught my eye too. She proves herself more than an introverted spy novelist in a spy thriller. The blend of action and her growth were fascinating. Next came the mild sex-related dialogue. It was present, yet not overwhelming. Strong language sprinkled throughout made me pause. It warranted a thought or two on suitability for younger viewers. So, Argylle straddles a fine line. It entertains with action but requires a watchful eye for content that might raise eyebrows. 

Synopsis of Argylle

Elly Conway is a reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels.She would much rather spend a quiet evening at home with her Scottish fold cat Alfie or hosting local book readings of her latest novel than living the plots of her books. However, after publishing her fifth novel she is thrust into the world of a Global Spy Syndicate with a real agent Argylle working to keep her safe.  But as this action film unfolds, Elly cannot tell the good guys from the criminals.  

What Parents Want to Know – Argylle Christian Movie Review

Language

There were many instances of foul language, taking God’s name in vain, and sexual references such as “pop my cherry.” There are repeated uses of d-mn, a-s, h-ll, s-it, d-ck, son of a b, as well as the obligatory PG-13 f-word. God’s name is used in various forms from “g-d that was bad” to “for the love of baby Jesus.” 

Finally, there is just crude language including stupid, dumb, freaking, pervert, and other insults.

Violence and Action

I knew going in, Argylle would be a ride. This spy thriller packed punches with its martial arts sequences. Bullets flew across the scenes as I watched. Yet, amid all the chaos, the movie held back on gore. Martial arts and gunfights dominated the screen. Explosions added to the drama. Surprisingly, the violence never crossed into gratuitous territory. 

The lack of blood and graphic injuries struck me. Action scenes felt intense without crossing the line. As a parent, I appreciated this restraint. However, don’t think that there isnt’ killing, as there is a constant barrage of bullets flying and dead bodies left in the wake. Additionally, there is talk of crushing skulls and how it needs to be accomplished, which is unsettling. A man is thrown off a moving train. Furthermore, a cat attacks a man’s face and it is said his eyeballs were destroyed. However, nothing is shown besides a cat on a man’s face. 

Argylle managed to entertain without desensitizing us to violence. It proved action could thrill without the need for excessive bloodshed. This balance made me consider the film’s suitability for older teens. 

Sexual Content

In Argylle, viewers will discover mild sex-related dialogue peppered throughout. Sensual dance moves catch the eye in several scenes. Furthermore, there is one dance move called the whirlybird. These moments contribute a distinctive flavor to the narrative.  Action and suspense take center stage, but these nuances offer depth. Recognizing this, you might appreciate the film in a new light. 

Additionally, as with most spy movies (consider James Bond films), women wear low-cut dresses, exposing a lot of cleavage and breasts, and there are several that are thigh high or with a slit up to their nether regions. 

Furthermore, two characters kiss. 

Parents considering this movie for family movie night should weigh these factors. They play a crucial role in determining whether Argylle aligns with their standards. 

Spiritual Content:

In one scene, a character is seen in a yoga pose. Additionally, the Koran is mentioned as well as “unholy sin.” (Is there any sin that is holy?)

Other Content:

There is plenty of alcohol drinking depicted, from mixed drinks to champagne. Additionally, one character ingests a drop of poison and dies. Other characters are drugged and pass out. Additionally, a person mentions Adderall.

One character talks about having panic attacks and appears overly anxious. Additionally, she believes she is having hallucinations. MK-Ultra is talked about and was used to brainwash a character. Mind-control is used to cause a character to act contrary to their character. 

Furthermore, it should be noted that there is a reference to Jeffrey Dahmer (the cannibal psychopath).

Characterization and Themes

Elly Conway started her journey in a place of vulnerability. She found herself caught in a web of international espionage by accident. I watched, intrigued, as she transformed. It was not a quick change. Over time, author Elly Conway morphed from a figure lacking control into one brimming with determination and strength.

The cast surrounding Elly was as varied as it was vibrant. Bryan Cranston played his role expertly. Although he has been in many shows and films, my favorite role was as the dad in Malcolm in the middle.

The characters brought a myriad of perspectives to the table, enriching the narrative. Yet, despite this diversity, Argylle steered clear of profound themes. It chose instead to shine in its primary role – offering a spectacle of thrills and excitement. As I sat through the movie, the absence of deeper content rarely crossed my mind. The delight in watching characters navigate through a gauntlet of dangers kept me thoroughly entertained. 

Ultimately, Argylle was a reminder that not all films need to challenge the status quo or unravel complex ideologies. Some exist purely to captivate and amuse. They invite us into a world where the stakes are high, but the enjoyment is higher. Elly’s journey from a passive participant to a pivotal player exemplified this. It served as the core of an experience that was, above all, tremendously fun. 

Is Argylle Right for Your Family?

I watched Argylle with a mix of excitement and caution. The film, filled with espionage and intrigue, hooked me. Bryce Dallas Howard shone as Elly Conway, navigating a world of danger. Every moment of her journey kept us on the edge of our seats. 

Violence painted the canvas of Argylle, yet it wielded a stylized brush. Explosions and martial arts choreography were executed precisely, illustrating conflicts without gratuitous gore. The infrequent bloodshed allowed for a focus on the many plot twists. The dance between comic and romantic interludes offered a reprieve. These moments showcased the film’s lighter side. 

The themes of Argylle unfurled like layers of a mystery. Elly Conway’s transformation struck a chord. Her evolution, from vulnerability to empowered added to the mystery. Although the film’s pursuit of world domination lacked depth, it succeeded in entertaining. In fact, while watching this fun movie, the viewer never feels that this is a real life spy movie, but rather a caricature of movies. Scenes that are just over the top in their action and stunts are meant to remind us of the absurdity of other films. Argylle achieves what it sets out to do with its blend of action, character development, and comedic interpretations of past spy films.

For families pondering Argylle’s suitability, weigh these considerations. The film’s action depicted minimal carnage yet was high energy. Dialogue occasionally strayed into mature territories, with constant strong language and occasional mild sexual content. These elements demand discretion. Reflect on the values you cherish. Argylle might align for some, helping children navigate the realms of good versus evil. Others might pause, discerning the content’s impact. 

Argylle Christian Movie Review – My Viewing Recommendations:

While this film has comedic moments, it is more intense than many films rated PG-13. Matthew Vaughn is known for his R-rated movies, such as the Kingsman Movies (which are referenced in this film). However, it is action packed, and not in the Tom Cruise Mission Impossible movies sort of action. One always has the sense that this is a parody of spy films with the over-the-top action scenes. 

When my family left the theater, we discussed the absurd and impossible scenes that 1) would never happen and 2) are virtually impossible to achieve. Knowing that the eye doesn’t catch everything on screen, this is definitely a movie I want to watch again to see what references I missed the first time.

In conclusion, Argylle offered an action-filled journey. It entertained while subtly highlighting the virtues of resilience and diversity. Each family’s compass of values should guide their decision. For those who embark, Argylle promises thrills amid the espionage, enveloped in a cinematic experience worth unwrapping. While my overall viewing recommendation is 13 and up, keep in mind that some sensitive children will not enjoy the action and killing even if done off-screen.

About the Argylle Movie:

Rating: PG-13 for strong violence/action and some strong language.

Release Date: February 2, 2024

Runtime: 2 hours, 19 minutes

Genre:Action – Comedy

Studio: Apple Original Films, Marv Studios, Cloudy Productions

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Screenwriter Jason Fuchs

Produced by: Matthew Vaughn, Adama Bohling, David Reid, Jason Fuchs

Edited By: Lee Smith, Tom Harrison-Read

Music by: Lorne Balfe

Distributed by: Universal Pictures

The Cast of Argylle:

Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elly Conway/Agent Rachel Kylle

Henry Cavill as Agent Aubrey Argylle

Dua Lipa as LaGrange

Sam Rockwell (The Bad Guys) as Aidan

Bryan Cranston (The One and Only Ivan) as Ritter

Catherine O’Hara as Ruth Conway (Elly’s mother)

Sofia Boutella as Saba Al-Badr/The Keeper

Louis Partridge as young Argylle

Ariana DeBose as Keira

John Cena as Wyatt

Samuel L Jackson as Alfred Solomon

Where can I watch Argylle?

Currently, Argylle is in movie theaters. When it is streaming, I expect it to make an appearance on Apple TV. 

Argylle and the Taylor Swift Theory?

Apparently, because Taylor Swift wears Argylle sweaters and has a cat backpack, there is a fan theory that suggests that Taylor Swift wrote the Argylle novel. The director has denied this connection.