Another Simple Favor: Sequel to ‘A Simple Favor’ Struggles to Recapture Original’s Thrill Despite Glossy Presentation

Another Simple Favor was always going to be tough to pull off. The original A Simple Favor was a perfect mix of dark humor, suspense, and sharp, unforgettable performances. With Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick returning to their roles, expectations for the sequel were high. While Another Simple Favor certainly has its moments, it doesn’t quite live up to the magic of its predecessor, despite a strong performance from Lively and a setting that’s as glamorous as it gets.

Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick Are Back, But Something’s Missing

The film picks up a few years after the events of the first movie, with Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) now a successful true-crime podcaster. She’s dragged back into Emily’s (Blake Lively) world of secrets and intrigue when Emily—who faked her death in the original—reappears at a luxurious wedding in Italy. It’s the perfect setup for more twists, lies, and, of course, murder. The only problem? The excitement and suspense of the first film are noticeably absent.

Blake Lively brings her usual magnetic charm to the role of Emily, delivering a character that’s still icy, unpredictable, and effortlessly cool. However, the writing this time around doesn’t give her the same depth or surprises that made her character so fascinating in the first film. Emily feels more like a caricature, a version of the original character that lacks the complexity and mystery. Lively does what she can with the material, but even her talent can’t save a role that feels a little flat.

Another Simple Favor – The Plot Struggles to Find Its Focus

One of the biggest issues with Another Simple Favor is its inability to settle on a tone. The first movie managed to balance mystery, dark humor, and a bit of camp in a way that felt fresh and exciting. The sequel, however, seems unsure of whether it wants to be a satire, a murder mystery, or a thriller. The result is a plot that feels all over the place—twists come at you from every direction, but none of them feel as clever or satisfying as the ones in the first movie.

Director Paul Feig brings his signature style to the film, with stunning Italian backdrops and sharp fashion choices that make everything look picture-perfect. But while Another Simple Favor looks great, it doesn’t feel as tight or as engaging as it should. There’s a lot of glitz and glamour, but not much emotional depth to back it up. The humor, while present, doesn’t hit the same way, and by the end, the story feels more like a chaotic mess than a well-executed mystery.

A Step Back for the Characters

Stephanie, Anna Kendrick’s character, was one of the things that made the original A Simple Favor so enjoyable. Her quirky awkwardness and growing curiosity about Emily created an irresistible dynamic. In this sequel, however, Stephanie feels more like a sidekick than a fully realized character. The sequel leans heavily on her being clueless and used for comic relief, which doesn’t allow her to evolve or offer the same kind of emotional investment as in the first film. The chemistry between her and Emily, which was the heart of the original movie, feels forced this time around—there’s tension, but it lacks the spark that made their dynamic so compelling before.