A Simple Favor

July 4, 2024 - If you're into twisted relationships, check out A Simple Favor, starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. Paul Feig directed this R-rated film from 2018. It's currently making the rounds on Netflix and is doing so well that plans for a sequel have just been announced.

Kendrick plays Stephanie, a widow raising a young son and dispensing recipes and life truths on her little-watched parenting vlog. Lively is Emily. Her son goes to the same school as Stephanie's kid, but Emily's big-time job in "the city" keeps her away a lot. One rainy day, though, Emily does show up to pick up her son and a friendship is born. Not so much between the kids, but between the moms.

It doesn't take long for Emily to start asking Stephanie for favors. Can she watch her son? Can he spend the night? Can she take him to the park after school? Every once in a while, Emily repays Stephanie by making her a fancy drink and engaging in adult conversation. She even introduces Stephanie to her handsome husband. It's all well and good until Emily asks Stephanie for one more thing. A simple favor.

Overall review: *** No one is what they appear to be, and it's hard to find anyone to root for. But, it's also hard to turn away because each plot twist is more outrageous than the last. Do me a favor and sign me up for the sequel.