Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick are back — and the drama is bigger, glossier, and far more Italian. “Another Simple Favor“, the sequel to 2018’s hit comedy-thriller “A Simple Favor”, sees the return of Emily Nelson (Lively) and Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) in a wildly over-the-top tale of luxury, lies, and murder. Directed once again by Paul Feig, the film transports audiences from suburban Connecticut to the stunning island of Capri, where Emily is set to marry a wealthy Italian businessman — and chaos is, of course, on the guest list.
“Another Simple Favor” Premise
Set several years after the events of the first film, “Another Simple Favor” opens with Stephanie now a true crime author, having parlayed her deadly encounter with Emily into a bestselling memoir. But her book tour takes an unexpected detour when she runs into Emily, who has somehow managed to get out of prison on appeal. With her signature cool confidence and a hint of menace, Emily asks Stephanie for one last favor — to be her maid of honor. Faced with the threat of legal action, Stephanie reluctantly agrees, dragging herself into yet another web of high-society secrets and killer schemes.
Feig, who spent years developing the sequel, describes the film as his attempt at a Godfather: Part II-level continuation. “There aren’t that many great sequels out there,” he told IndieWire. “But with this, I thought — maybe we can pull it off.” And pull it off he has, according to early reviews. Premiering as the opening night film at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival, “Another Simple Favor” has already been praised as a wickedly fun blend of mob drama, mystery, and black comedy, with some comparing it to a globe-trotting, soapier cousin of “The White Lotus”.
“Another Simple Favor” Cast
The new installment brings back some familiar faces, including Henry Golding as Emily’s ex-husband Sean, who delivers one of the film’s best lines by declaring he’d “rather shave [his] balls with a rusty knife” than attend the wedding. Also returning are Stephanie’s signature vlogging antics, but this time with even more unhinged energy — and far better lighting. Newcomers to the cast include Michele Morrone as Emily’s suave fiancé Dante and Allison Janney as her blunt, no-nonsense aunt Linda. The ensemble also features Andrew Rannells, Elizabeth Perkins, Alex Newell, and Elena Sofia Ricci.
The movie leans all the way into its glamorous absurdity — think fashion, betrayal, murder, and hats that practically deserve their own billing. Written by Jessica Sharzer (who penned the original) and Laeta Kalogridis, and based once again on Darcey Bell’s novel, “Another Simple Favor” is a Prime Video exclusive. And if this is indeed the start of a travel-heavy murder franchise, fans may want to buckle up — the flight to chaos has only just taken off. “Another Simple Favor” premieres on on May 1 on Prime Video.
