Publications
Partners
WHAT IT'S ABOUT:
Stephanie is a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily’s sudden disappearance from their small town. Stephanie is joined by Emily’s husband in a world of twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, love and loyalty, murder and revenge.
WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Paul Feig breathes new life into the thriller genre with his Hitchcockian-like film, A Simple Favour.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter the director said he was dying to do a fun thriller, like an old Hitchcock movie that will make you laugh and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
With its stylish tone, it’s French pop soundtrack, perfect comedic timing and a plot that has so many twists and turns you that will leave you dizzy, Feig has achieved what he set out to do.
Based on Darcey Bell’s debut novel it follows quirky, nerdy mommy vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) who tries to solve the disappearance of her sophisticated, mysterious friend Emily (Blake Lively).
Narrated by Stephanie the story moves fluidly through the past and present and while the running time is close to two hours I never got bored. There is a lot happening but it isn’t tedious to follow.
Kendrick and Lively are the stars of the show – their characters are such opposites which makes it delightful to watch them together on screen.
I really enjoyed both of the actress’s performances. Kendrick revels in the quirkiness of her character but there is also a strength to her. She also has the most growth going from shy and insecure to a formidable opponent to Emily.
Lively on the other hand dials up the ante with her badass, femme fatale. She totally owns her character’s dark traits and does it effortlessly. For me this is one of her best performances to date and is certainly very different from everything else she has done before (The Shallows, Age of Adaline). Also, I have to mention her character’s wardrobe which is super elegant and is going to inspire the comeback of the power suit.
Another standout for me is Henry Golding who made his acting debut in Crazy Rich Asians – he is becoming the leading man we never knew we needed.
There are so many great elements to this film that makes it a must watch – there’s drama, comedy and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you’ve had a tough week this is the escape you need!
