Director Matthew Vaughn credits Taylor Swift’s love for cats as the inspiration behind his latest film, Argylle. The movie stars Bryce Dallas-Howard as Elly Conway, a successful author of espionage novels who finds herself on a global mission to thwart a crime syndicate with the help of a real spy, Aidan played by Sam Rockwell. One unique aspect of the film is Elly’s cat, Alfie, who joins her on the adventure, inspired by Swift’s habit of bringing her cats along wherever she goes.
Vaughn initially had the screenplay written with Elly leaving Alfie at home, but decided to change it after seeing a Taylor Swift documentary where she had her cats with her. The director felt that having Elly’s cat accompany her on the mission would add an interesting dynamic to the film. Alfie’s presence in the movie adds a touch of realism, as Vaughn found cats to be more expressive than people often give them credit for, leading to some surprisingly emotional moments in the film.
Before the release of Argylle, Swift’s fans speculated that she might be the secret author of the novel that plays a role in the movie. However, it was revealed that the book was actually written by Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen. Despite a lackluster theatrical release, with mixed reviews from critics, Argylle is now available for streaming on AppleTV+. The film, featuring a star-studded cast including Henry Cavill, John Cena, Catherine O’Hara, and Bryan Cranston, has a chance to find a new audience on the streaming platform.
The transition to streaming could potentially give Argylle a second wind, as the film received a 72% positive score from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes, despite critics giving it a lower rating. With a production budget of $200 million and only $96 million in worldwide ticket sales, the movie struggled to perform well at the box office. However, Vaughn’s innovative use of Alfie the cat and the cat’s expressive moments on screen may intrigue new viewers and offer a fresh perspective on the film’s action-packed storyline.
While some scenes featuring Alfie were enhanced using CGI for safety reasons, Vaughn points out that many of the cat’s expressions in the film are real. He learned to appreciate the emotive abilities of cats while working on Argylle, noting that they are more expressive than commonly thought. The use of Chip, Vaughn’s own Scottish Fold cat, to portray Alfie adds a personal touch to the film, reflecting the director’s own fondness for felines.
Overall, Argylle offers a unique blend of action, spy thrills, and a touch of feline charm that sets it apart from traditional spy films. Taylor Swift’s influence on Vaughn’s decision to include a cat in the storyline adds an unexpected twist that adds an endearing quality to the movie. As the film finds a new home on AppleTV+, viewers may discover a newfound appreciation for the expressive nature of cats and the impact they can have on a thrilling and action-packed story.
