Thriller ‘A Simple Favor’ captivated audiences with secrets and twists; sequel ‘Another Simple Favor’ coming up
In 2018, A Simple Favor captivated audiences with its intoxicating blend of mystery, dark humor, and sleek aesthetics. Directed by Paul Feig, best known for his work in comedy films like Bridesmaids and Spy, this psychological thriller surprised many with its stylish execution and unpredictable twists.
Adapted from Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel of the same name, the film combines elements of classic noir, modern thriller, and biting satire on suburban perfection. With an all-star cast led by Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, A Simple Favor is a film that plays with audience expectations, constantly shifting between tones as it weaves a story filled with deception, secrets, and deadly intentions.
At its core, the film follows Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), a widowed, overly enthusiastic single mom and vlogger who becomes fascinated by the effortlessly chic and enigmatic Emily Nelson (Blake Lively), the mother of her son’s best friend.
Emily, a PR executive with a seemingly perfect life, invites Stephanie into her world, forming an unlikely friendship built on martinis, gossip, and shared confessions. But when Emily suddenly vanishes, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate, uncovering shocking truths about her friend’s past, her marriage to the aloof and struggling writer Sean Townsend (Henry Golding), and the tangled web of lies that surround them all. The deeper Stephanie digs, the more she realizes that nothing—and no one—is as they seem.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its cast. Anna Kendrick delivers a layered performance as Stephanie, bringing her signature charm while gradually revealing the character’s hidden depths and dark side. Blake Lively, meanwhile, commands the screen as Emily, embodying a mix of elegance, danger, and unpredictability. Her razor-sharp dialogue and effortless glamour make her one of the most compelling femme fatales in recent cinema.
Henry Golding, fresh off the success of Crazy Rich Asians, plays Emily’s husband Sean, adding an air of mystery and ambiguity to his role. The chemistry between the leads is electric, making every scene crackle with tension and intrigue.
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Backstage fun facts about A Simple Favor
While A Simple Favor may seem like a straightforward thriller on the surface, its production was filled with interesting choices and unexpected inspirations. Here are some fascinating behind-the-scenes details:
- Paul Feig’s genre shift: known for his comedies, Feig took on A Simple Favor as a challenge, blending his signature wit with the tension of a psychological thriller. He cited Alfred Hitchcock as a major inspiration, wanting to infuse the film with a stylish, noir-like quality.
- Blake Lively’s iconic costumes: Emily’s wardrobe, filled with sleek power suits and impeccably tailored outfits, became a major talking point. Lively worked closely with costume designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus to create a look inspired by classic Hollywood stars like Katharine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall.
- The martini bonding scene: the moment where Emily and Stephanie share drinks and dark secrets became one of the film’s most memorable scenes. Feig encouraged improvisation, leading to a more natural and intimate dynamic between the characters.
- The twisted ending: unlike the book, which had a darker and more ambiguous ending, the film opted for a more playful, suspenseful resolution. Feig and the screenwriters wanted the finale to feel satisfying while maintaining the film’s sense of humor.
- Marketing with mystery: the film’s marketing leaned heavily into its stylish mystery elements, with posters and trailers evoking comparisons to Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. The promotional campaign highlighted Emily’s disappearance while teasing the film’s many twists.
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More to come: A Simple Favor sequel, Another Simple Favor, is confirmed
On Tuesday, Feb 4th, fans of the original film finally got what they have wished for: a sequel! “Another Simple Favor”, reuniting the director Paul Feig and its stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, was announced, premiering at SXSW Film Festival and getting a release date for May 1st on Amazon Prime Video.
The sequel brings Stephani and Emily to Capri for Emily wedding. Nothing is as calm as it seems, though, since the production promises murder and betrayal” for the pairing. Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin and Henry Golding, from the first title, are coming back for the sequel; Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone and Alex Newell are new additions to the cast. Just like Feig’s previous films, “Bridesmaids” and “Spy”, “Another Simple Favor” is getting its preview at the Austin festival before getting a streaming release later this spring.
A Simple Favor results and impact
Upon release, A Simple Favor received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its stylish direction, witty script, and strong performances, particularly from Lively and Kendrick. Many compared its tone to Gone Girl, though with a more playful and comedic edge. The blend of genres—thriller, dark comedy, and psychological drama—made it stand out in a market often dominated by more straightforward mystery films.
Financially, the film performed well, grossing over $97 million worldwide against a modest budget of $20 million. Its success was largely driven by strong word-of-mouth and a clever marketing campaign that emphasized its intrigue and fashionable aesthetic. While it didn’t reach the cultural phenomenon level of Gone Girl, it developed a dedicated fanbase and remains a standout example of how a thriller can be both stylish and darkly funny.
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In the years since its release, A Simple Favor has continued to be discussed as an underrated gem, with many praising its subversive take on the “missing woman” trope. The film’s visual style, biting humor, and compelling performances ensure that it remains a memorable entry in the thriller genre. And with talks of a sequel in development, it seems that Stephanie and Emily’s twisted dynamic may not be over just yet.
Who’s who at A Simple Favor
Here is a list of the cast and characters in the film A Simple Favor:
- Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers
- Blake Lively as Emily Nelson
- Henry Golding as Sean Townsend
- Andrew Rannells as Darren
- Linda Cardellini as Diana Hyland
- Rupert Friend as Dennis Nylon
- Jean Smart as Margaret McLanden
- Dustin Milligan as Chris
- Eric Johnson as Davis Smothers
- Bashir Salahuddin as Detective Summerville
How A Simple Favor ends: spoilers alert!
As Stephanie digs deeper into Emily’s disappearance, she uncovers shocking secrets about her friend’s past. Emily is revealed to have faked her own death, part of an elaborate scheme to escape financial troubles and a complicated history involving her long-lost twin sister. Stephanie, now emboldened and more cunning than before, sets a trap to expose Emily’s deception. In the climactic final act, Stephanie tricks Emily into confessing her crimes while live-streaming the entire conversation, ensuring that there’s undeniable proof of her guilt. Emily, realizing she’s been outplayed, attempts to flee but is hit by a car and arrested.
The film ends on a darkly comedic note: Emily is sent to prison, Sean moves on with his life, and Stephanie, having evolved from an insecure single mom into a confident investigator, turns her true-crime sleuthing skills into a successful online career. The conclusion maintains the film’s signature mix of sharp humor and psychological twists, leaving audiences both satisfied and entertained.
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