Another Simple Favor: A Stylish Yet Unnecessary Sequel

Did anyone really ask for a sequel to A Simple Favor? Probably not—but here we are. While the first film had a quirky charm and a satisfying self-contained ending, this follow-up tries to recapture that energy with mixed results. There's a major twist that hits about halfway through the movie, and it's likely to either pull you in deeper or completely take you out of the experience. For me, it leaned toward the latter—it didn’t quite land—but I still found the overall viewing experience entertaining enough to stick with it.

The biggest challenge this sequel faces is justifying its own existence. The first movie wrapped things up pretty cleanly, so building a continuation off that feels a little forced. Still, the first half of the film is surprisingly engaging. It draws you in with intrigue, stylish visuals, and the promise of more chaos between its central characters. The wardrobe choices are bold and vibrant, perfectly matching the film’s tone, and the international location adds a touch of glamor that helps keep things visually interesting.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively continue to be the film’s strongest asset. Their on-screen chemistry, quick wit, and banter carry much of the movie, making even some of the weaker moments easier to tolerate. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the supporting cast, who are written in such a flat and uninspired way that they often feel like caricatures rather than characters. It’s disappointing, especially considering how quirky and memorable the supporting characters were in the original.

The story introduces a murder mystery that initially adds some intrigue, but once the twist hits, the plot veers off course. It feels like an entirely different writing team took over and didn’t know how to follow through. What follows is a third act filled with eye-roll-worthy copouts and generic plot devices that strip the film of any tension or originality it had built up until that point.

In the end, it’s a serviceable watch if you're already a fan of the characters, but nothing about it feels essential. The film even attempts to tease another sequel in its closing moments, but given how underwhelming this entry turned out to be, it’s hard to imagine many people getting excited for more.