Yahoo Lifestyle ‘Another Simple Favor’ Review: Blake Lively & Anna Kendrick Reunite In Paul Feig’s Italian Murder Mystery Sequel — SXSW
Although it marks director Paul Feig’s first stab at a sequel, Another Simple Favor is anything but another simple attempt at cashing in on existing IP.
The SXSW 2025 opening-night film picks up five years after mommy blogger Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) exposed pal Emily Nelson’s (Blake Lively) crimes and had her sent to prison, as the mysterious fashionista is sprung from the joint. Her first order of business is inviting her frenemy to be her maid-of-honor in a Capri destination wedding to Italian heir Dante Versano (Michele Morrone). But when someone starts murdering the guests, Steph finds herself at the center of another mystery involving Emily.
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Although fans of the original might be wondering how Emily could possibly convince Stephanie to endure her bridezilla whims on an island thousands of miles away, that’s quickly answered in the most Emily way possible. Not only does she promise plenty of buzz for Steph’s new book about the events of the first film, but Emily renews her threat to “slap an injunction” on her literary release.
With Kendrick and Lively slipping back into their comedic (and slightly sapphic) chemistry, some returning faces also provide a steady stream of punchy one-liners including Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Aparna Nancherla, Kelly McCormack and Bashir Salahuddin.
The sequel also provides some hilarious additions to the cast, including Alex Newell as Stephanie’s shameless literary agent Vicky, Taylor Ortega as incompetent FBI agent Irene Walker, and Allison Janney as Emily’s shady Aunt Linda. And Elizabeth Perkins doesn’t hold back on the physical comedy while taking over the role of Emily’s estranged pill-popping mother Margaret McLinden, who was portrayed by Jean Smart the first time around.
While some might argue that Feig and writers Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis are too reliant on obvious nods to the original film — bringing back familiar plot devices like the mommy vlog teaser opening and an act-three twist that felt a little too recycled — the references ultimately add a playful camp wink to a fun and exciting film that stands on its own.
Meanwhile, the question remains: Can Emily redeem herself after the acts she committed in the first film? The sequel answers that question by making sure she’s not the most unhinged person in the room anymore, a big swing that ultimately pays off.
Not only does Another Simple Favor provide a satisfying arc for these addictive characters, but it might even set up fans for a trilogy. With a few nods to another iconic Italian trilogy, the phrase “a simple favor” could someday eclipse “an offer he couldn’t refuse” if Feig has anything to say about it. Yet Another Simple Favor certainly has a nice ring to it.
Title: Another Simple Favor
Festival: SXSW (Headliner)
Distributor: Amazon MGM Studios
Release date: May 1, 2025
Director: Paul Feig
Screenwriters: Jessica Sharzer, Laeta Kalogridis
Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Alex Newell, Henry Golding, Allison Janney
Running time: 2 hrs
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