Since 2018’s “A Simple Favor” hit screens with its twisty blend of comedy and suspense, audiences have craved more of Stephanie and Emily’s high-fashion crime antics. Now, in 2025, “Another Simple Favor” lands on Prime Video. Paul Feig returns as director, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising the leads. The story whisks viewers to the sparkling cliffsides of Capri, Italy, for a wedding that should be perfect. But of course, death and deception crash the party.
You probably want to know: is this new escapade worth streaming? Could it capture the weird magic of the original, or does it fumble with too many threads and lose its grip? To answer these burning questions, let’s unravel how critics have reacted and what stands out the most about the film—both good and bad.
The Basics: What’s On Offer in “Another Simple Favor”?
Amazon Prime Video released “Another Simple Favor” on May 1, 2025. The movie first premiered at SXSW in March, creating a small buzz among festival fans. Paul Feig, known for his sharp comedic sensibility, sticks with his established formula but dials up the extravagance this round.
Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie, now a hit true-crime podcaster, finds herself jetting off to Italy when Emily (Blake Lively) calls for help with her wedding. Emily’s marrying Dante Versano, a charming and super-rich Italian businessman, played by Michele Morrone. The film promises sun-drenched scenery, fabulous costumes, and a parade of secrets brewing just under the surface. Audiences can expect everything from murder schemes to wild parties, all with Stephanie and Emily at the unpredictable center.
So with the basics in mind, what are reviewers actually saying?
Critical Response: What Stands Out?
Most critics agree that “Another Simple Favor” never lacks ambition. The sequel wants to match its predecessor’s mix of oddball humor, crime, and glamour. Some even say it pushes further over the top, both in plot and style.
What Works Best? Key Positives
1. The Kendrick-Lively Double Act
Critics heap praise on Kendrick and Lively, as their chemistry electrifies the film. Their banter feels crisp, and every moment together snaps with tension, wit, or sly commentary. Kendrick brings back her awkward-yet-resourceful Stephanie while Lively leans into Emily’s sly, anarchic charm. The two together can make even some of the story’s clumsier scenes sing. This duo consistently steals the spotlight.
2. Sumptuous Visuals and Italian Opulence
Every frame boasts something pretty. Reviewers note how the Caprese landscapes catch the eye, and vibrant colors flood every setting. Costume design and set dressing go overboard—in the best way. When the story slows, audiences can still feast on the backdrop: lush gardens, decadent villas, and glamorous parties. The visuals sell the fantasy, even as reality in the film spirals out of control.
3. Wild, Relentless Plot Twists
The movie thrives on shock value. Feig seems to know viewers want a ride, so he sets up a series of surprises—often one right after the next. Critics point out that if you love stories with tangled webs, betrayals, and sudden reveals, this sequel doesn’t hold back. In fact, some moments feel intentionally outrageous, winking at its own absurdity.
Where Does the Film Struggle? Key Negatives
1. Overstuffed, Sometimes Confusing Plot
Reviewers repeatedly say the film tries to do too much. Twists pile up fast, and not all connect in a satisfying way. The intricate plotting, instead of sharpening the suspense, sometimes muddies clarity. Some critics suggest a few storylines should have landed on the cutting room floor. The talk around the movie includes words like “convoluted,” making it clear some viewers lost track or lost patience.
2. Sequel Looseness: Lacking Focus
The storytelling feels uneven compared to the first film, which managed to juggle weirdness with razor-sharp timing. In this sequel, energy fizzles during some segments. Reviewers mention storylines that wander off, or jokes that overstretch. With all the glamour and spectacle, the film sometimes drops the emotional stakes. This lack of focus can leave you checking your watch instead of leaning in.
3. Pacing Issues
Despite its flurry of events, “Another Simple Favor” hits slow spots. Key scenes drag, often as the movie transitions from one absurd plot point to another. This uneven tempo works against the otherwise spry tone. Where the original snapped forward, this film sometimes meanders, caught between too many ideas.
Three Key Positives: Critics’ Favorite Aspects
- Magnetic chemistry between Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively
- Gorgeous Capri scenery and sparkling set/costume design
- Impressive pile-up of twists and jaw-dropping reveals
Three Key Negatives: Where the Movie Falters
- Plot gets too tangled, losing clarity and impact
- Less plot discipline than its predecessor, undermining suspense
- Sluggish pacing in several sections kills momentum
Style and Substance: Overall Impressions
Those who tuned in for the camp, glossy side of “A Simple Favor” might find much to enjoy here—provided they can tolerate some messiness. The style is relentless. Champagne pops, designer dresses swirl, and there’s no shortage of sly looks between the leads. Paul Feig escalates everything. He leans hard into self-awareness, with the movie occasionally poking fun at its own extravagance.
On the other hand, if the audience comes for a tightly wound mystery, trouble brews fast. Each twist should snap like a mousetrap, but as the script piles up more and more, the overall impact weakens. Some critics left frustrated, wishing for more restraint. The film’s heart remains with its original characters, yet the wild plotting sometimes overshadows any real emotional beats.
Who Should Watch (and Who Might Pass)?
Love mystery with comedic swagger? Fans of Kendrick and Lively’s sly interplay likely won’t care about the mess. They’ll sink into the sparkling Mediterranean visuals, root for or against the leads, and ride out the chaos.
For mystery purists or those craving airtight storytelling, “Another Simple Favor” might frustrate. The fun-house plotting and wilful style likely overshadow real suspense. Pacing misfires mean not every moment clicks. Some may feel the film stretches to fill its runtime with style over substance.
Verdict: Another Simple Favor BRNG?
Did “Another Simple Favor” deliver boring content? Based on critical and audience responses, the answer lands somewhere in the middle. The movie certainly isn’t lifeless. With stars at the top of their game, stunning visuals, and a bold, twist-laden script, boredom rarely takes center stage. However, when plotlines tangle too tightly or scenes lose focus, some viewers might check out. Energy surges in bursts, not consistently. That unevenness—and a heavy hand with the plot—costs the film some points.
On the boredom scale, where zero means a complete snooze and ten guarantees pulse-pounding fun, this sequel achieves a 6.7. That means it mostly dodges dullness, especially for fans of oddball glamour and rollercoaster plotting. If you craved straightforward storytelling or a methodical mystery, your mileage may vary. For most, “Another Simple Favor” supplies enough dazzle and absurdity to entertain, though not without a few lulls along the way.
