Blast from the Past: Anna Kendrick
Paul Feige directed A Simple Favor, a black comedy mystery, penned by Jessica Sharzer, based on Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel of the same title.
Grade: B
The appealing cast includes Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, and Andrew Rannells,
Premise:
In Warfield, CT, widowed single mother Stephanie Smothers runs a blog featuring crafts and recipes for mothers. She becomes friends with Emily Nelson, the mother of her son’s classmate and PR director for fashion company, and they start to meet in the afternoon over drinks.
The tale follows a small-town vlogger (Kendrick) who tries to solve the disappearance of her elegant and mysterious friend (Lively).
The film was met with a favourable response for its plot twists and performances (especially those of Kendrick, Lively, and Golding).
Released by Liomsgate on Sept 14, 2018, the movie grossed $97.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget.
A sequel, also directed by Feig, Another Simple Favor, was released on Amazon Prime Video on May 1, 2025, with Kendrick and Lively reprising their roles.
Movie Better than the Book:
In the 2008 movie adaptation, Kendrick’s Stephanie is more likable than the blogger in Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel, and Blake Lively makes her character Emily feel more dangerous.
Cast
Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers
Blake Lively as Emily Nelson / Hope McLanden
Nicole Peters as Hope (16 Years Old)
Faith McLanden, Emily’s identical twin sister
Lauren Peters as Faith (16 Years Old)
Henry Golding as Sean Townsend, Hope’s husband
Andrew Rannells as Darren
Linda Cardellini as Diana Hyland
Jean Smart as Margaret McLanden, Emily’s mother
Rupert Friend as Dennis Nylon
Eric Johnson as Davis Smothers, Stephanie’s husband
