Melissa McCarthy Shines in Latest Spy Thriller: Feel-Good Film of the Year!

In the film “Spy” directed by Paul Feig, the storyline and characters might seem like they’ve been conjured up in an intensely vivid and bizarre dream. Surprisingly, the film not only works but does so with remarkable flair. Melissa McCarthy stars as Susan Cooper, a reserved CIA analyst who unexpectedly finds herself in the field following the demise of her suave, James Bond-esque partner, Bradley Fine, played by Jude Law in an atypical comedic role. Alison Janney portrays her formidable boss, who propels Susan into the espionage action. The film surprises delightfully with its cast, including Rose Byrne as a sharp-tongued, stiletto-wearing villainess from Oxford, making even the fiercest characters seem tame in comparison. Peter Serafinowicz also appears as Aldo, a character whose forwardness would be frowned upon in the post-#MeToo era, likened humorously to a certain chain shoe store.

In one of the film’s most brilliant scenes, Jason Statham lampoons his usual tough-guy roles, portraying a bumbling, over-the-top agent who boasts about performing feats deemed impossible, like water-skiing while blindfolded or learning the piano later in life. Additionally, the dynamic between English comedian Miranda Hart, playing Susan’s best friend and sidekick, and the American rapper 50 Cent, appearing as himself, adds another layer of humor and unpredictability.

Melissa McCarthy first captured my attention in the 2011 comedy “Bridesmaids,” also directed by Paul Feig. At that time, the film was seen as a crucial statement in the ongoing debate about whether women were funny—a discussion that seems dated today. “Bridesmaids” not only answered that question affirmatively but did so with memorable scenes filled with outrageous humor, such as Maya Rudolph’s character, clad in her wedding dress, desperately seeking a bathroom in the middle of the street. The film also delved into the competitive dynamics among women, highlighting the intense rivalries often involved in planning wedding-related events.

Among the talented ensemble in “Bridesmaids,” McCarthy stood out remarkably. Her character, Megan, was presented as the type of person Hollywood typically overlooks or outright rejects: a plus-sized, unglamorous woman dressed in unflattering clothes. Yet, McCarthy’s portrayal was both bold and unapologetic, elevating Megan from a potential object of pity to one of admiration due to her brash confidence and command of presence.

In “Spy,” McCarthy’s comedic prowess is given even broader scope. Her character, Susan Cooper, is a middle-aged woman whose life and career have become stagnant. She experiences daily slights, like being ignored at a bar in favor of younger, more conventionally attractive women. Jude Law’s character underscores her invisibility by giving her a tacky necklace, symbolizing a sort of affection without respect. Yet, it’s precisely her underestimated status that propels Susan into an undercover operation, despite her initial instructions to merely observe her target from afar. Predictably, Susan decides to engage more directly.

My fascination with spy movies began in the early 2000s with the animated series “Totally Spies,” which depicted three high school girls leading double lives as international secret agents. This introduction to the spy genre led me to explore more traditional entries, including the stylish “Charlie’s Angels” adaptations and the iconic works of Hitchcock, Bond, and Le Carré.

However, it’s the spy comedies that I find myself revisiting the most. These films, with their exaggerated portrayal of espionage, reveal the genre’s inherent fantasy—similar to fairy tales about being rescued by a prince. Additionally, the focus on female spies appeals to me as it contrasts sharply with societal expectations placed on women, offering a thrilling escape and a powerful counter-narrative on screen.

“Spy” serves both as a parody and a tribute to the genre. It features all the classic elements—a high-tech gadget lab, a tense poker game, a perilous exchange in a bustling nightclub, and a high-speed chase—all delivered with a playful twist. What makes “Spy” particularly groundbreaking is its focus on a middle-aged woman as the protagonist, a rarity in Hollywood’s spy film roster. In my quest for feel-good movies, I often return to female-led spy comedies like “Charlie’s Angels” and “The Spy Who Dumped Me.” While such films are infrequent, they offer a liberating and exhilarating experience, with their blend of humor, action, and intrigue.

• “Spy” is available for streaming on Hulu in the US and on Disney+ and Netflix in the UK and Australia.