Another Simple Favor Review
When A Simple Favor released a few years ago, no one was prepared for how twisty and great it could possibly be. Sure, on the surface, some may think of it as another mystery thriller that comes and goes. However, Paul Feig created something unique through Darcey Bell’s original novel, bringing it to life in one of the most dazzling and fun movies yet. Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s chemistry in the original gave A Simple Favor an excitable fervor that felt refreshing for the genre. Now, with Another Simple Favor, Feig and company hope to ignite the spark that made the original special.
However, Another Simple Favor isn’t your usual sequel as it’s purely original. Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) returns once more, having made some success from publishing her novel about the previous film’s events. However, when she discovers that her best friend-turned-killer Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) has returned and invites her to her extravagant wedding, Stephanie has no choice but to take it up. With new suspicions about what Emily has in store, Stephanie must use her instincts to uncover what’s really going on once again.
Considering how Another Simple Favor is an original story, some may have doubts about whether Feig can pull it off successfully. For the most part, it maintains a consistent tension to a point where you don’t really believe Emily’s intentions. Emily doesn’t seem to want to hurt Stephanie, but at the same time, she’s somewhat revealing of her emotions. Getting to see this somewhat compassionate, yet uptight, version of Emily adds a lot of intrigue given how involved her family truly gets.
If anything, the film handles the “family dynamics” element of it all mostly tidy. As we get to know more about Emily’s family and her involvement with her Italian husband Dante (Michele Morrone), you might start to think that it gradually gets messy as it goes along. Sure, there’s the usual in-law drama between Emily and Dante’s mother, Portia (Elena Sofia Ricci). Even though it may seem like it’s all bark and no bite between the two, there are so many turns that occur over time that slowly, but surely pull you into their chaos.
Of course, Feig pulls out all the stops when it comes to the crazy twists of Another Simple Favor. In fact, some of the twists are even more insane when you really start to think about how Emily grew up to be like this as well as how Stephanie got as popular as she did. When the film truly starts to get into the investigative magic, these twists will gradually get you hooked, but there are only a few that are “big gasp” moments.
Fortunately, there are some shockers that’ll truly surprise you, most of which come from the murderous moments. Even though these scenes are supposed to feel narratively impactful, some just feel a little empty-handed given the roles of some characters. While I did expect those characters to be crossed off the “staying alive” list, the silliness in some of those kills can feel a bit overbearing.
Still, Lively and Kendrick are absolutely hilarious whenever they’re on screen. In every scene they share, whether it be at a candle-lit pool or a bleak and disgusting sewer, their chemistry is simply amazing. Plus, the chic costumes that Lively wears, courtesy of Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, really emphasize Emily’s moods in a way that only Lively could manifest. Furthermore, if you’re wondering if Lively can truly pull off a dual role, then this film certainly proves that.
On other characters, it’s a mish-mash of personalities that will sometimes work or not, but each character provides enough charm to make themselves stand out. Allison Janney’s Aunt Linda is as dastardly as you can expect from a McLanden, never truly showing her mean side even though you suspect something’s up.
Alex Newell’s eccentric Vicky and Andrew Rannells’ Darren are relegated to being the comic reliefs of the film in minimal roles, though they provide some good laughs. Meanwhile, Henry Golding’s Sean is stuck reveling in his trauma drunkenly, which is a far cry from who he was in A Simple Favor. As such, the film might lose some of its potential with some characters, but where it loses some, it gains in others.
All in all, Another Simple Favor is a messy, if fun, concoction of thrills, humor, and drama that quenches your thirst for a sequel in a way that only Feig and his team could put together. While it may not be as perfect, there’s enough to enjoy from this sequel that fans of the original will certainly enjoy.
Another Simple Favor is now streaming on Prime Video.
Rating: ★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.