‘Utter Nonsense.’ First Reactions To Another Simple Favor At SXSW Suggest We’re In For More Murder And Twists

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Paul Feig’s follow-up to “Another Simple Favor,” starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick from the 2018 thriller, is yet to arrive on the big screen in 2025. Despite the wait, there’s been a lot of excitement brewing behind the scenes. This past weekend, fans finally had something concrete to discuss as the sequel made its debut at the South by Southwest film festival. It seems that we’re in for an even wilder ride this time!

In the upcoming sequel to “A Simple Favor“, both Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are reprising their roles, with Michele Morrone, Alex Newell, and Allison Janney joining the cast as new additions. The plot revolves around murder at an Italian wedding, but according to Jacob Oller from AV Club, it’s missing the intricate cat-and-mouse game between Kendrick and Lively. Despite the stylish wardrobe, Oller feels that the clothing outshines the mystery, characters, cast, and humor, giving the film a C+ rating in his review.

This production, featuring Allison Janney adding some flair to an otherwise lengthy and uninteresting fashion show following performances by Kendrick and Lively, lacks the excitement it once had. Although there are still elements that make Favor appealing such as the witty interactions between Kendrick and Lively, unexpected plot twists, and bold outfits, the passion that drove the original idea has faded. As a result, despite the higher number of characters involved, this sequel feels routine, much like its title suggests – Just Another One.

According to Owen Gleiberman from Variety, the sequel of A Simple Favor offers “more surprises but less amusement.” Indeed, the initial movie was filled with numerous intricate plot twists that were quite a spectacle. However, as Anna Kendrick’s character Stephanie has evolved and hardened since the first film, some critics argue that this shift in power dynamics weakens the sequel, according to Gleiberman’s critique.

In simpler terms, “Another Simple Favor” is a film that delivers familiar elements in abundance but perhaps not enough of the unique aspects, and it does so while being packed with murder, lavish wealth, and unexpected twists. The original movie took place in Warwick, Connecticut, lending it a quaint yet gritty feel. In contrast, this new installment transports us to the glamorous, escapist surroundings of Capri, where it further amps up the mystery, opulence, and plot twists that you might not anticipate. It could be described as a more refined version of “Knives Out 2” combined with an animated spin on “White Lotus”.

As a fellow film enthusiast who found themselves puzzled by the ending of ‘A Simple Favor’, brace yourselves because Christian Zilko from IndieWire hints that the sequel is just as enigmatic, yet in an entertainingly absurd fashion. Director Paul Feig employs the same winning formula as the original, but this time amps it up with a dash of Italian mafia intrigue. According to Zilko, who awarded the movie a B-, the movie may leave you scratching your head, but the ride is well worth it.

In Another Simple Favor, the crime element makes up only about 10% of the film’s wildness. The storyline is packed with family betrayals, hidden personas, assassinations, corrupt policemen, shocking revelations, and numerous other surprises that I won’t give away. Calling it nonsensical would be 100% accurate but could also be seen as a huge compliment to everyone involved. This film takes bold risks without being tethered by reality, making it an enjoyable watch, despite feeling like a mere pretext for the cast to spend time in Capri, where Blake Lively showcases an extraordinary variety of hats.

The film thrives when Blake Lively acts quirky and mysterious, but it becomes less engaging when Emily isn’t around, as pointed out by Puchko.

From a devoted cinema enthusiast perspective: Does it surpass the original? It’s a tricky one. While it’s undeniably messier than the initial installment, there’s an increased imbalance between the charming Stephanie and the cunning Emily, with their character arcs feeling even more disproportionate. Additionally, some supporting roles seem underdeveloped. But if you adored Blake Lively’s portrayal of the enigmatic bad girl, you’ll find yourself captivated by this darkly amusing thriller.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve noticed that some might catch a few echoes of similarities between “Another Simple Favor” and its predecessor, but rest assured, director Paul Feig isn’t just cashing in on an existing intellectual property. Instead, these nods to the 2018 movie are more like a playful wink, serving as a testament that this sequel boldly stands on its own merits. According to Glenn Garner of Deadline, it’s a fresh and independent production that deserves recognition.

Is it possible for Emily to make amends for her past actions as depicted in the initial movie? The subsequent film addresses this by positioning her so that she’s no longer the most eccentric character, which is quite a significant shift that proves effective. This film not only offers a fulfilling journey for its captivating characters but also hints at the possibility of a trilogy. In simpler terms, Another Simple Favor delivers an engaging storyline for Emily and other compelling characters, potentially paving the way for future installments.

Discussing a third installment might be premature at this point, considering the rumors suggesting Anna Kendrick wasn’t overly enthusiastic about collaborating with Blake Lively once more. However, it seems that Paul Feig didn’t hold back in this sequel, promising an exhilarating and unpredictable experience for viewers.

If you’re in need of a reminder about the plot from seven years ago, I recommend rewatching the film “A Simple Favor” as it gained quite a bit of popularity on Netflix. This way, you’ll be all caught up before “Another Simple Favor” becomes available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

on May 1.

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2025-03-10 01:39