Sequels rarely live up to the original—let alone outshine it. But Another Simple Favor doesn’t just match the first—it struts in, martini in hand, and dares you to look away.
I didn’t just like A Simple Favor—I was obsessed with it. It’s one of my go-to comfort films, the kind I can quote without thinking. With crackling chemistry between Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, and a deliciously twisted plot spun by director Paul Feig and screenwriter Jessica Sharzer (adapting Darcey Bell’s darkly addictive novel), the 2018 black comedy hit every one of my buttons.
And okay, yes—Henry Golding could absolutely own me, mind, body, and soul—but that’s not the only reason I fell hard. A Simple Favor is sharp, stylish, seductive, and way smarter than it has any right to be.
Set five years after the first film, our favorite cardigan-clad chaos magnet Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) is now a famous true-crime vlogger with a bestselling book about her bestie-turned-sociopath Emily (Blake Lively, returning in full femme-fatale glory). But when Emily—fresh out of prison on appeal and dressed like a Bond villain at fashion week—shows up at a book signing, she drops a bombshell: she’s marrying a rich Italian with mafia ties (enter Dante, played with slick Euro-suaveness by Michele Morrone), and wants Stephanie as her maid of honor. Stephanie, naturally, says yes… because fame, guilt, and the threat of a lawsuit are persuasive motivators.
What follows is a decadent, batshit rollercoaster ride through Capri filled with murders (yes more than one), mafia drama, long-lost siblings, one-liners sharp enough to slice a prosciutto, and more costume changes than a Met Gala.
And then—there’s Henry Golding.
God bless Henry Golding. His return as Sean, Emily’s ex-husband, is brief but glorious. He’s brooding, bitter, and naked. Very, VERY naked (God bless you, Mr. Feig). The man steps out of steam like a god carved from he smoothest wet marble – with the worlds most perfectly plump ass.
Was his nudity gratuitous? Yes. Was it essential to the plot? Debatable. Did it improve my quality of life? AbsoFUCKINGlutely.
The internet agrees—reviews from Variety, Collider, and EW all cite his presence as a highlight. I call it holy.
But what truly makes this film a five-star fever dream is the unapologetic tone. Director Paul Feig and writer Jessica Sharzer (returning champs) know exactly what they’re doing. It’s campy, twisty, stylish, and smart enough to get away with being completely unhinged. Anna Kendrick is a gift, Blake Lively chews scenery like it’s caviar, and together they’re divine.
In a word this film is Perfect.
★★★★★
There will be more film reviews (Hopefully a third favor installment) soon so…
Stay Tuned!
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