‘Another Simple Favor’ Review: At SXSW, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively Return for a Sequel That Has More Twists and Less Fun

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As a cinephile, I found “A Simple Favor” to be an intriguing cinematic concoction, much like a unique cocktail that might seem unlikely yet delivers a satisfying blend of flavors. On the surface, it appeared as a melodrama reminiscent of bad-moms soap operas, with Anna Kendrick‘s character Stephanie, a widowed mother with her own homemaking vlog, becoming entangled in the dark world of Emily, a seemingly maternal yet cold figure played by Blake Lively in a captivatingly wicked performance. However, as the movie unfolded, it revealed itself to be far more complex and engaging than its initial premise suggested.

In “A Simple Favor,” two characters became close over cocktails and confessions, one of them confessing to being a “brother fucker.” This lighthearted film then transformed into a darkly comedic take on a murder mystery. Despite the numerous unexpected turns, the suspenseful plot was shrouded in the over-the-top style of suburban melodrama. The irony, which wasn’t really an irony, lies in the fact that Kendrick’s character, Stephanie, was fixated on Emily, captivated by her cruelty. Lively portrayed Emily as a seductive femme fatale with a hint of venom.

Originally released in theaters seven years ago, “A Simple Favor” quickly gained cult status. Given its success, it was only logical to consider a sequel. The director, Paul Feig, who is known for movies like “Bridesmaids,” has returned to helm this new project. In essence, “Another Simple Favor,” which premiered tonight at SXSW, aims to build upon the original’s recipe, but it seems to offer more of the same, yet not quite enough, and perhaps too much. The initial film was set in Warwick, Connecticut, lending it a gritty small-town vibe. In contrast, the sequel takes place in the opulent surroundings of Capri, with an abundance of murder, lavish wealth, and unexpected twists. It can be described as a blend between a more elaborate “Knives Out” follow-up and a stylized version of “White Lotus.

After serving time for murdering her identical twin sister, Emily, who’s now engaged to a Continental mobster, is jetting off to an exotic Italian rocky island retreat for their wedding. Meanwhile, Stephanie, once a fellow inmate and now a successful true-crime author with a book titled “The Faceless Blonde,” is hosting a book event. Emily unexpectedly appears at this event, requesting Stephanie to be her maid of honor. It’s not clear what Emily’s true intentions are – is she planning to harm or ensnare Stephanie? Given the circumstances, these possibilities seem plausible, and Stephanie is well aware of the potential danger. This sets a tense tone for the story that feels predetermined, inviting us to follow along.

The most significant shift, however, is that Kendrick no longer portrays Stephanie as an innocent naif in the woods. Her experiences with darkness have transformed her into a seasoned individual who’s well aware of the intricacies of true crime and is too shrewd to fall for anyone’s tricks. This transformation, unfortunately, eliminates the essence of her innocence, making Stephanie a tough nut to crack as she unravels the complex web spun by a woman who’s equally enigmatic. As a result, “Another Simple Favor” seems to lack the unique charm it once had.

Upon everyone’s arrival in Italy, a series of troubling events unfold. Emily’s former partner, Sean (Henry Golding), now a disheartened alcoholic, is single-handedly caring for their son Nicky (Ian Ho), who has adopted a sullen demeanor and vivid crimson highlights. The character Dante, the crime-family heir whom Emily is to marry, portrayed by Italian heartthrob Michele Morrone from the “365 Days” erotic thrillers, seems both alluring and naive. Suspicious relatives make their presence felt, with Elizabeth Perkins in a hazy state and Allison Janney playing a devious role. As the story progresses, characters meet untimely ends: a lethal shower injection, someone gunned down and landing in a fiery explosion of fireworks, and numerous instances of knife attacks.

Stephanie finds herself implicated in a series of crimes she didn’t commit, despite the film making it clear. She must take on the role of detective once more, even as she’s confined to her home under house arrest. The script for this sequel was written by Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis, both contributors from the first film. However, “Another Simple Plan” seems different from the original in a way that feels overly contrived and like an exaggerated crime puzzle being played out by the actors. While a movie like “Knives Out” might be just as unrealistic, we enjoy its cleverness in a classic, quirky detective story. In contrast, “Another Simple Plan” is more laborious than inventive.

The initial film surprised us with Emily’s deceitful act of faking her own death while killing her twin sister. “Another Simple Favor” delves deeper into intricate sibling mysteries. In terms of style, it’s quirky and entertaining enough, perhaps, to be another box office success. (If you blink, you might miss the subtle message about acceptance.) These films fit into a specific category, one they helped mold: the intelligent, artificial thrillers built around modern motherhood struggles. However, this installment manages to both captivate and lag at times.

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2025-03-08 07:47