Psychological Trauma and Stress as Factors Influencing Elly Conway's Fluid Identity in Matthew Vaughn's Argylle (2024)
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Muthiah Qalbu Zhafirah
Rindrah Kartiningsih
Hariyono
This research analyzes the identity fluidity of the character Elly Conway in Matthew Vaughn's movie Argylle (2024). This study aims to identify the evidence of Elly Conway's fluid identity based on Jane Kroger theory, observe the factors that cause Elly to keep changing her identity, and analyze the reasons Elly chooses one dominant identity at the end of the film. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with data sources consisting of Elly Conway's dialogues throughout the film. The data were analyzed using Jane Kroger identity development theory and James Marcia identity status theory. The findings reveal that Elly Conway experiences fluid identity characterized by changes in personal identity, social identity, and cultural identity. Psychological trauma and stress proved to be the primary drivers of identity change, followed by sociocultural factors and life transitions. By the end of the film, Elly achieves identity achievement by choosing her identity as a novelist who integrates her experiences as a secret agent. This research contributes to the development of identity theory in film and literary studies by demonstrating that identity can be fluid and can be stabilized through processes of exploration and integration.
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