Another Simple Favor (2025) — Glitz, Mob Intrigue & Frenemies in Capri.
Overview & Release.
Directed by Paul Feig, this sequel picks up five years after Another Simple Favor (2018). Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), now a bestselling true-crime author, is pulled back into Emily Nelson’s (Blake Lively) chaotic orbit when Emily invites her to be maid of honor at her lavish wedding in Capri, Italy. Lies, mob ties, and murder follow. The film premiered at SXSW on March 7, 2025 and debuted exclusively on Amazon Prime Video on May 1, 2025
Cast & Main Characters of Another Simple Favor.
Returning leads:
- Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers — the blogger-turned-author, always chasing the next scoop.
- Blake Lively as Emily Nelson — enigmatic, stylish, and released from prison to throw one chaotic wedding .
Returning supporting:
- Henry Golding (Sean, Emily’s ex-husband), Andrew Rannells (Darren), Bashir Salahuddin (Detective Summerville).
New arrivals:
- Elizabeth Perkins as Emily’s mother (replacing Jean Smart),
- Allison Janney as Aunt Linda,
- Michele Morrone as Emily’s mafia-connected fiancé Dante,
- Alex Newell as Stephanie’s agent Vicky.
Total principal cast: approximately 10–12 key players, counting leads and major supporting roles.
Main Characters & Dynamics.
The story revolves around Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson:
- Stephanie — now a crime-author and podcaster, she’s pulled into friend-turned-adversary territory.
- Emily — equally glamorous and dangerous, she brings Stephanie back into a life full of secrets and suspense.
Their dynamic remains the emotional core—the chemistry that powers the mystery and satire.
“Box Collection”: Streaming, Not Box Office.
Unlike its predecessor, Another Simple Favor had no theatrical release. It premiered directly on Prime Video, making traditional box office metrics inapplicable.
Such streaming-first releases don’t report grosses; instead, engagement is measured by hours watched, Prime submissions, and views—data which Amazon typically doesn’t disclose externally. Reports suggest modest impact compared to the original film’s theatrical success.
Though streaming numbers aren’t publicly available, early reviews and coverage focus on its merits as “worth a watch” and “stream it” rather than financial performance.
Summary Table Of Another Simple Favor.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Platform | Prime Video (streaming only) |
| Cast Count (Principal) | 10–12 key actors |
| Main Characters | Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) |
| Streaming Metrics | Not publicly available |
| Genre / Niche | Campy dark comedy mystery in glamorous Italian setting |
| Strengths | Lead chemistry, visuals, ensemble performances |
| Weaknesses | Overcomplicated plot, incoherence, less thematic weight than original |
| Critical Response | Mixed—Certified Fresh on RT, but narrative critiqued |
Niche & Genre Identity.
Another Simple Favor defines its niche as:
- A sleek, over-the-top dark comedy mystery with elevated fashion, lavish settings, and campy thrills.
- A sequel embracing absurdity and camp, more flamboyant than the original noir-ish tone.
- It’s a character-driven comedy-thriller, relying heavily on the star pairing of Kendrick and Lively—and crotch-deep in stylish chaos.
Deep Dive: What Works & What Doesn’t.
Strengths:
- Chemistry: Kendrick and Lively shine together—even now—bringing playful, menacing energy .
- Visual opulence: Capri’s scenery, costume design, and production deliver escapist glam in spades.
- Scene-stealers: Performances from Elizabeth Perkins and Allison Janney bring additional depth and wit .
- Tone & fun: Though overly silly, its self-aware passage leans fully into camp, and reviewers often asked viewers to “stream it for entertainment,” even if the plot wobbled .
Drawbacks:
- Plot overload: Critics called it convoluted—with too many twists, reduced coherence, and uneven pacing.
- Stylized silliness over substance: While visually captivating, some wrote that it lacked the cultural bite and energy of the original.
- Sequel fatigue: Critics remarked it felt like rehashing formula—more fashion, less intrigue.
Final Thoughts.
Another Simple Favor isn’t the slick thriller that A Simple Favor was, but it’s still a stylish, indulgent ride. If you’re drawn to dazzling wardrobes, dramatic characters, and camp-infused mischief on a sun-soaked Italian island—this sequel delivers.
Its streaming-only release means we won’t judge it by theatre-run standards. Instead, it functions as a glossy, tongue-in-cheek pop-mystery, tailor-made for binging—if you don’t mind suspended disbelief and savor absurdity.
