When Henry Cavill steps onto the screen, you can expect intensity, action, and impressive performances, regardless of the genre. From his role as the Man of Steel in Superman to Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher and Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes, Cavill’s versatility has won fans across the globe. However, his latest venture into the spy genre with Argylle didn’t exactly hit the mark with critics, who gave it a disappointing 33% on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the lukewarm reception, the film’s wild action scenes, particularly a bizarre oil-skating fight sequence, have managed to win over an unexpected group of enthusiasts: VFX artists.

Argylle is a spy comedy with a twist. The movie follows Bryce Dallas Howard’s character, Elly Conway, a famous author who inadvertently becomes entangled in a chaotic international conspiracy. Despite boasting a star-studded cast—including Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, and Samuel L. Jackson—the film’s over-the-top plot left many audience members confused and unimpressed. Critics were quick to dismiss the film, with its lackluster reception overshadowing its star power and ambitions for a potential franchise.

Yet, the film’s most ridiculous scene has turned into a surprising highlight among VFX professionals. In the latest episode of VFX Artist React by Corridor Crew, the team dissected the film’s infamous oil-skating showdown. In this outrageous sequence, Elly faces off against a group of henchmen while gliding across an oil-slicked surface, all while dodging explosions and defying physics in the process. While the scene may have seemed over-the-top and goofy to general audiences, VFX artists were quick to applaud the intricate technical work behind it.

As Niko from Corridor Crew noted, the scene was a remarkable display of skillful VFX craftsmanship. “Here’s the thing, they did all this on a real ice skating rink,” Niko explained. “This is filmed with a real ice skater doing the moves, and they’re comping in everything around them.” The production team combined footage of a real ice skater with advanced motion capture techniques, ensuring that the movement looked natural and fluid, even as the oil-slicked environment added an extra level of complexity. The meticulous attention to detail, especially with reflections on the slippery surface, left the VFX team impressed. “I’m actually pretty impressed with it,” Niko admitted. “It’s a goofy scene, but despite that, it works because of the effort put into the VFX.”

This oil-skating scene might not have won over critics, but it has found its place as a viral favorite online. VFX fans and enthusiasts have celebrated the sequence for its technical brilliance, and it’s even sparked renewed interest in the film. What was once deemed absurd by many has now become the film’s standout moment, helping to shake off some of the negative buzz surrounding Argylle.

But the scene’s acclaim goes beyond just VFX. The action sequence also showcases the work of Brad Allan, the late and legendary stunt coordinator who was known for his ability to create rhythmic, memorable fight scenes. Argylle was one of his final works, and the film’s absurd oil-skating brawl stands as a fitting tribute to his talent. The careful choreography, combined with the meticulous VFX, provides an unforgettable, albeit quirky, action moment that reminds fans of Allan’s contributions to the world of film stunts.

Though Argylle may not be a hit in the traditional sense, the film’s most outlandish action sequence proves that sometimes it’s the absurd moments that can shine the brightest. In the end, while critics may have given it a poor rating, the VFX artists—and now, many fans—are giving Argylle a second chance, thanks to its one-of-a-kind, over-the-top action.