A Simple Favor

A gripping variation on a clever female thriller, which is not lacking in a nice pile of surprises. Behind almost every completed subchapter there is a hidden hook that pulls the viewer further in, towards another fitting twist or genre change. This is mostly thanks to Anna Kendrick, who after years finally shines to the fullest in a role written for her in almost every one of those genres, even though the detective story one, which it switches into completely at the start of the third act, is definitely the weakest. As a satire, a thriller, a tale of hinted shadows from the past, and last but not least, in terms of sexiness, Kindness surpasses the highly acclaimed Gone Girl. Unlike that film, it is not afraid to be surprising and visually alive. (21/05/2019)

Of particular note is that A Simple Favor teeters on the edge of serious thriller while not shying away from using a self-parodying approach in some passages. The whole thing just doesn't take itself entirely seriously, which is appealing and gives the whole film a nice touch of light playfulness. On the other hand, the thriller storyline with its slightly mysterious elements works quite reliably in its right, even if it is a bit predictable (which I personally didn't mind too much, because this simply isn't a hardcore thriller like Gone Girl). As a result, A Simple Favor is a viewer-friendly and, given the central theme, quite rewarding affair. Thumbs up for the approach taken, the excellent Anna Kendrick, and the unprecedentedly gorgeous Blake Lively (she doesn't look as good in any other film as she does here). "Brotherfucker!" (20/11/2018)

It's a shame the film wasn't a bit more comedic and that the humor started to veer away from seriousness and attempts at suspense as time went on, because both actresses are amazing and the potential was great. Given that Paul Feig decided to use (almost) only French songs, he might as well have made something in the style of French comedies. (29/07/2020)

A non-alcoholic version of Gone Girl for a less demanding or, if you want, weekend audience. The lightness and briskness is taken care of by the geeky Anna Kendrick and the sexy Blake Lively. Both are excellent, it's just the script and the plot that are questionable. That said, as a light crime-comedy it’s still bearable. (05/02/2019)

I consider movies with Blake Lively my private guilty pleasures. I'll check out Darcey Bell's book, but I definitely wouldn't be interested in a thriller like this without the movie. However, as a spectacle based on the contrasting talents of Blake and Anna Kendrick, it was a treat. A treat for the eyes. (04/07/2022)