Another Simple Favor Review: Style Over Substance
- laurienwynne
- May 19
- 4 min read
Updated: May 20
Some sequels raise the bar—others just ride the wave. Another Simple Favor falls into the second camp. Directed by Paul Feig, this 2025 mystery-comedy reunites Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick as it tries to recapture the original’s quirky charm and bold style. And while the fashion, fun settings, and snappy banter are all there, the story feels like it's just coasting along.
Another Simple Favor is a stylish, globe-trotting adventure set against the stunning backdrop of Capri. With Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, and Michele Morrone bringing plenty of charm, there’s no shortage of star power. But with a plot that feels like an afterthought, you start to wonder—does all that sparkle make up for what’s missing?
Film SPOILER Overview
In Another Simple Favour, it’s been five years since Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) got tangled up in the chaos that is Emily (Blake Lively). Stephanie is now a true crime vlogger.
When Emily gets out of prison, she ropes Stephanie into being her maid of honour for a lavish wedding in Capri. Naturally, things go off the rails. A few murders later, it turns out Emily has a secret triplet sister - Charity (shocker)! Who’s been posing as her to take over a mafia-connected family empire.
Charity ends up in cuffs, Emily vanishes (again), and Stephanie’s left caring for Emily’s kid. And just when you think it’s all over... the film hints there’s more madness still to come.
ShowScorer Favs
Casting & Performance
Reuniting the iconic love-hate duo of Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick is easily the best thing about Another Simple Favour. Their chemistry is as sharp and entertaining as ever, and it’s what keeps the whole film on its feet. Blake’s unapologetically crude one-liners are bold and hilarious. Her mix of charm and sociopathic edge is oddly captivating.
Opposite her, Anna Kendrick brings that bubbly, relatable energy we know and love. She grounds all the madness with just enough heart to keep it believable (well, almost).
The sequel also ups the ante with a star-studded supporting cast, including Michele Morrone, Henry Golding, and Oscar-winner Allison Janney. Allison absolutely owns her role as a ruthless, unhinged wildcard, adding some real bite to the mystery.
Altogether, it’s a stylish, tongue-in-cheek thriller that leans into its own absurdity—and somehow makes it work.
Destination Cinema
Choosing Capri as the setting for Another Simple Favour was a brilliant call. The stunning views, grand villas, and old-world charm of the Amalfi Coast gives the film a serious visual boost. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to book a holiday straight after the credits roll. Director Paul Feig made great use of real locations like the Grand Hotel Quisisana and Villa Jovis, which add a touch of luxury and history to the whole film.
Critics have pointed out that Capri isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s almost a character itself. Empire Online called the film “frothy, sun-drenched fun,” saying the glamorous setting fits perfectly with the wild wedding drama. SpicyPulp described it as “an intoxicating mix of murder, martinis, and mayhem,” and honestly, that sums it up pretty well.
The use of Italian language, architecture, and local customs adds another layer to the experience. It makes the world feel richer and more immersive. Personally, I found it pulled me in even more. The visuals alone are so strong, I could watch it again on mute and still enjoy the vibe.
ShowScorer Flops
Storyline
The storyline in Another Simple Favour never really finds its footing. The film sets up an intriguing premise, then loses the plot—literally. The mystery is serviceable, but it lacks the twists that made the first film pop. It honestly feels like the plot was reverse-engineered just to justify the glamorous Capri setting, rather than letting the story lead.
While Another Simple Favour has the charm of Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick and a stunning backdrop, the story plays it safe. The plot is recycling familiar family drama instead of offering something new. The film centres around Emily’s long-lost triplet sister, Charity, which feels like a stretch.
This sequel had so much potential to evolve the story and characters, but instead, it falls back on the same tired family drama. Rather than rehashing what we’ve already seen, it could’ve pushed the plot in a bold new direction, building on the original in a more exciting way.
Critics have picked up on this too. The Washington Post described the film as "so dreadful that it’s a mystery why actors of any credibility would have signed on" pointing to its weak plotting and lacklustre script. Likewise, RogerEbert.com noted that "the plotting and pacing have a habit of sagging when the film needs to build," making the mystery feel underdeveloped and slow to land.
The choice to focus the entire plot on Emily’s family history, especially the triplet twist, feels like a copy and paste. It stretches credibility and takes away the chance to explore something new and exciting. As Bleeding Cool put it, the sequel "wants to be just as captivating as the first film, but it feels like the younger sister who is desperately trying to emulate the effortless grace of her older sister."
Yes, the Capri setting is gorgeous. And yes, Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick still have fantastic chemistry. But in the end, it’s not enough to save a story that feels forced and unoriginal. By recycling plot points instead of taking the story forward, Another Simple Favour misses a real opportunity to expand the universe in a more meaningful way.
The Verdict: Another Simple Favor
If you loved A Simple Favor for its sharp wit, killer wardrobe, and genre-blending weirdness, you’ll likely enjoy Another Simple Favor—just don’t expect to be wowed by the mystery. This film is a vacation: easy, breezy, and a little shallow.
Rating: 2.5/5
What did you think of Another Simple Favor? Did it live up to the style of the original or fall short in substance?
Give your star rating of the film and drop your thoughts in the comments below.
Comments