Taylor Swift’s love for her cats influenced the direction of the new streaming movie “Argylle,” directed by Matthew Vaughn. The film stars Bryce Dallas-Howard as Elly Conway, a novelist who teams up with a spy to thwart a crime syndicate, with Elly’s cat Alfie joining them on their adventure. Vaughn was inspired by Swift’s documentary showcasing her cats, leading to Alfie’s inclusion in the film. Despite a lukewarm reception in theaters, “Argylle” has transitioned to streaming, offering viewers a chance to see the feline star alongside a stellar cast including Henry Cavill, John Cena, Catherine O’Hara, and Bryan Cranston.
The Influence of Taylor Swift’s Cats on “Argylle”
Taylor Swift’s love for her cats has made waves in unexpected ways, including influencing the direction of the new movie “Argylle,” now available for streaming on AppleTV+.
How Taylor Swift’s Cats Changed the Plot
In a surprising turn of events, director Matthew Vaughn revealed that Taylor Swift’s feline companions inspired a pivotal change in the storyline of “Argylle.” Originally, the character Elly Conway, played by Bryce Dallas-Howard, was scripted to leave her cat, Alfie, at home. However, Vaughn had a revelation after watching a Taylor Swift documentary where the pop star carried her cat in a cat pack. The whimsical image of Swift and her cats embarking on adventures inspired Vaughn to integrate Alfie into Elly’s global mission, highlighting the bond between a pet and its owner.
Vaughn admitted to being initially hesitant about featuring a cat in such a significant role, considering their reputation for being less trainable than other animals. Nevertheless, Alfie, portrayed by Vaughn’s own feline companion Chip, became an integral part of the story, adding a touch of charm and uniqueness to the narrative. Much like two of Taylor Swift’s beloved felines, Alfie in “Argylle” is a Scottish Fold cat, creating a delightful connection between the movie and Swift’s personal life.
The Reception and Transition to Streaming
“Argylle” faced mixed reviews upon its theatrical release, with audiences showing moderate approval while critics remained unimpressed. Despite its lukewarm reception in theaters, the movie, featuring an ensemble cast including Henry Cavill, John Cena, Catherine O’Hara, and Bryan Cranston, is now making a swift transition to streaming platforms. With a 72% positive score from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes but a critical rating of only 33%, “Argylle” struggled to meet box office expectations, leading to its shift towards a digital release.
The movie’s underperformance in theaters, where it fell short of recouping its $200 million production budget, highlights the challenges faced by big-budget films in today’s competitive industry. However, the move to streaming offers “Argylle” a second chance to captivate a wider audience and potentially garner a newfound appreciation for its unique storyline and quirky characters.
The Realism of Alfie’s Portrayal
For viewers intrigued by the authenticity of Chip’s performance as Alfie in “Argylle,” director Matthew Vaughn shared some surprising insights into the feline actor’s abilities. Despite initial doubts about using a cat in action sequences, Vaughn discovered the expressive nature of cats while filming, emphasizing their emotive capabilities. Vaughn expressed amazement at the genuine emotions conveyed by his feline co-star, debunking misconceptions about cats being uncommunicative creatures.
While some scenes required CGI enhancements for safety reasons, Vaughn confirmed that many of Alfie’s expressions and reactions in the film were entirely natural. The director’s admiration for the feline actors’ performances sheds light on the untapped potential of animals in movie roles, challenging conventional perceptions of their limitations in cinematic storytelling.
As “Argylle” finds its new home on AppleTV+, viewers can embark on a thrilling adventure alongside Elly, Alfie, and the rest of the eclectic cast, experiencing a blend of espionage, humor, and feline charm that sets this movie apart from traditional spy thrillers. Through Taylor Swift’s influence and the endearing presence of Alfie, “Argylle” offers a fresh perspective on the bond between humans and their beloved pets, reminding audiences of the unexpected sources of inspiration that can shape cinematic narratives.
