Another Simple Favor Review

review

✦

review ✦

When A Simple Favor (2018) became an unexpected cult hit, it was thanks to its noir-ish mystery wrapped in glossy satire, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively’s electric dynamic leading the charge. The sequel, Another Simple Favor, reteams director Paul Feig with both stars in a new international web of secrets, deception, and fashion-forward mayhem. And much to our surprise, it kind of works!

Another Simple Favor (2025) | Prime Video

Kendrick & Lively are Still a Killer Duo

The sequel follows Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) as they reunite under bizarre circumstances involving another murder, dangerous personalities, and wealth. The setting has also shifted to Italy for the film, adding a globe-trotting flavor, and ultimately committing to making this next chapter feel as outlandish as possible.

Throughout this over-the-top story, one of the most rewarding aspects of Another Simple Favor is that Kendrick and Lively step back into these eccentric roles with ease. Their chemistry remains razor-sharp, toeing the line between flirtation and rivalry with the same delightful ambiguity that made their dynamic so captivating in the original. Kendrick leans into a more confident version of Stephanie—while still retaining her Type-A blogger roots. Lively, meanwhile, has fun with her role, returning as Emily with the same sharp tongue, tailored suits, and femme fatale swagger.

Their interactions remain the film’s secret weapon. Whether exchanging barbed lines or teaming up on another twisted scheme, Kendrick and Lively elevate scenes that might otherwise feel flat. It’s a true reflection of their chemistry, and that the film’s best moments aren’t necessarily the twists or action beats, but the charged, often ridiculous dialogue between the two leads. We would watch these two tackle anything at this point.

Embracing the Camp—At Last

If the first film flirted with camp, but came attached to a darker marketing campaign, essentially catching half its audience off guard with its surprisingly playful nature. However, this sequel fully embraces it. From dramatic entrances to a nonsensical Victorian-esque widow fits, Another Simple Favor relishes its own absurdity. Feig no longer tries to disguise the film as a straight thriller. Instead, it plays like a glossy telenovela on martinis—stylish, exaggerated, and knowingly ridiculous.

And that choice pays off—for the most part. The best sequences are those that acknowledge the genre-bending tone: fashion shoots masking crime scenes, zany mafia conspiracies, and high-stakes moments that double as fashion editorials. Feig’s direction is playful, often seeking out these visual gags and exaggerated color palettes that match the energy of his characters. It’s a perfect fit.

Occasional Plot Overload

Unfortunately, while the film has fun with its aesthetic, it sometimes stumbles when it comes to narrative clarity. The story feels overly convoluted, with too many side characters, red herrings, and twists that don’t always land. Still, its overindulgent nature can also be its strong suit (like the unhinged reveal with Charity), making this a necessary creative risk that generally pays off.

Where A Simple Favor earned praise for effectively exploring its mysterious tone and tension, some might also argue that Another Simple Favor often tips too far into chaos (particularly with Emily’s family). But in the end, these subtle pivots and weaknesses still manage to outweigh the lack of commitment from the original, making it feel like a more complete film than A Simple Favor.

Score: 6.5/10

While it’s far from perfect, Another Simple Favor is a glossy, self-aware sequel that offers just enough intrigue, fashion, and witty banter to merit a following.

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