Another Simple Favor is not as good as the first movie, but it is still a decent sequel. It is bloodier, bigger, and goes international.
Another Simple Favor is more or less exactly what I expected it to be. The first movie is better, lets get that out of the way first, but it is still a good movie. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively continue the awkward chemistry of the first movie that boarders on obsession and sexual tension. It is funnier than I anticipated and the mystery aspect kept me entertained, but it is not without its issues.
Kendrick is one of my favorite actresses and has been for some time. She is great in A Simple Favor so I was looking forward to her reprising her role in this sequel. Unsurprisingly, she is equally hilarious and fantastic as Stephanie Smothers. Lively knows exactly what kind of person her character is and does great as her return to Emily.
All of that said, newcomer Allison Janney is the stand out. A lot of the humor she drops is subtle but it is done extremely well, proving that she is a seasoned actress that knows how to deliver an unforgettable performance.
In Another Simple Favor Emily has been released from prison and basically forces Stephanie to be her maid of honor at her remote wedding in Capri. To no one’s surprise, things go horribly wrong and someone is murdered. What I enjoyed most about this movie is that it the mystery of the killer is concealed well. It is not predictable at all, almost coming out of left field, but in a way that is satisfying.
Again, A Simple Favor is a great movie, and while the follow-up is not as good, it has a lot of great elements. The third act is by far the best, able to bring the suspense, comedy, and emotion to a head into a very memorable climax. There is just enough action to keep viewers entertained, but it is the comedy that really shines this time around.
Without too many details and in an effort to avoid spoilers, there is a scene in Another Simple Favor that is sexual assault, and yet it is made the butt of a joke. That did not sit well with me and the more I think about it, the more I am bothered by it. The events are glossed over and poked fun at (more than once) which feels inconsiderate to victims of assault.
There is a lot of mystery in Another Simple Favor. Without giving too much away, audiences will be constantly forming theories and trying to put all of the pieces together. Already from the trailer people are speculating, but I have yet to see anyone figure it out.
Overall, Another Simple Favor is fun and leaves the door open for a third film. There are some things that I have had a hard time getting over, but it made me laugh out loud multiple times and I was genuinely shocked when the killer was revealed, so it accomplished what it set out to do.
Another Simple Favor is skipping a theatrical release and will be available to stream on Prime Video May 1.
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About Another Simple Favor
Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) reunite on the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.
Another Simple Favor debuted at SXSW 2025.
Another Simple Favor is not as good as the first movie, but it is still a decent sequel. It is bloodier, bigger, and goes international.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.