Shadows on the Wall | Another Simple Favor

Another Simple Favor

dir Paul Feig
scr Jessica Sharzer, Laeta Kalogridis
prd Paul Feig, Laura Fischer
with Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Perkins, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Alex Newell, Ian Ho, Joshua Satine
release US/UK 1.May.25
25/US MGM 2h01

See also:

Is it streaming?

Fast and funny, this five-years-later sequel immediately picks up the snappy tone, layering sharp dialog with a story that bristles with suggestive mystery. Director Paul Feig is skilled at balancing spiky humour with grisly nastiness while having a lot of fun with glamorous locations, fabulous outfits, martinis and fireworks. So while the plot wrenches itself in various absurd directions, the film is sexy, sleek and consistently entertaining.

Mommy vlogger Stephanie (Kendrick) has expanded her popularity by writing a true crime book about her murderous neighbour Emily (Lively), who is released on a technicality and asks Stephanie to be maid of honour at her wedding in Capri to millionaire Dante (Morrone), who is clearly a mafioso. Stephanie brings her agent Vicky (Newell) and is surprised that Emily's ex Sean (Golding) is there. And Emily isn't expecting her mother (Perkins) and Aunt Linda (Janney) to turn up. Amid family fireworks, a violent murder takes place. And there's something even bigger going on here.

While Stephanie definitely doesn't believe Emily has changed, taking a private plane to Italy is too much to resist. They also still have terrific camaraderie, and only some of Emily's threatening innuendo needs to be taken seriously. As the narrative takes a series of bonkers twists, it maintains Stephanie's perspective for the most part, which helps us play whodunit along with her and heightens the sense of adventure. Meanwhile, Capri couldn't possibly look any more beautiful.

As before, Kendrick's earthy nice girl is a witty contrast to Lively's fast-talking fashionista. Their banter is hilariously insinuating, layered with emotions that feed into their torturous but warm relationship. Kendrick gets a few deeper moments as the perky woman with dark self-doubts. Perkins and Janney have the beefiest supporting roles as Emily's senile mum and wild-eyed aunt. And Ricci is a terrific scene-stealer as Dante's fearsome mother. Others remain in the margins, darting out to deliver zingers.

The movie doubles down on the entertaining nuttiness, keeping us engaged with a mix of offbeat humour and gritty thrills. The script includes amusing subplots, most of which are red herrings but might have added more interesting textures. Among the big secrets in the story, there's one that's apparent early on and briefly adds some nice thematic meaning. While the main twist leads to a crazed finale that of course takes place atop a picturesque cliff. And there's no surprise that the ending sets things up for more to come.

themes, language, violence 26.Apr.25

R E A D E R R E V I E W S

Still waiting for your comments ... don't be shy.