Movies

Another Simple Favor Totally Ruins Something I Thought Was Really Amazing About The First Movie

BBG News

❗️CAUTION: The information below may reveal significant plot points from the movie “Another Simple Favor.” If you haven’t watched it yet, read at your own peril! For a spoiler-free perspective, consider my two-star review on TopMob.

In this rephrased version, I have attempted to make the warning more engaging and easy to understand while maintaining the essential information about the potential spoilers in “Another Simple Favor.” The review recommendation is also included for those who wish to avoid any spoilers.

I really enjoy puzzling over red herrings in mystery stories. When it comes to these types of novels or films, I’m the kind of viewer who pays close attention to every clue and tries to solve the mystery alongside the main character. I get a kick out of being fooled by seemingly irrelevant details, and one of my favorite recent examples is the movie “A Simple Favor,” directed by Paul Feig.

2018’s thriller features numerous intriguing plot twists, yet one subtle detail remains unfulfilled: early in the story, Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) challenges Emily (Blake Lively) about having a twin, to which Emily casually reveals she’s not a twin but a triplet, with one sister passing away at birth. This information seems set up for a significant revelation in the climax, but it never materializes. I appreciate that it doesn’t, as it cleverly dodges the predictable cliché.

Seven years down the line, we find ourselves with “Another Simple Favor,” but unfortunately, all its greatness seems to have been wasted. It’s commonly believed that sequels or remakes can’t tarnish their originals because they coexist, but this instance is exceptional; the new film gives off an impression that the original was intentionally concealing a secret, only to be unveiled in the subsequent installment, which is quite disappointing.

As a cinephile, I found myself at a disadvantage when watching the sequel, Another Simple Favor. Being overly familiar with the plot development of its prequel, A Simple Favor, made the twist in the story painfully predictable. So, to avoid spoilers and maintain the element of surprise, I decided to revisit the original film before diving into the sequel. However, this strategy backfired as I ended up seeing the big reveal coming from a distance, making me feel like I was stuck in a time loop, waiting for the characters to catch up with what I already knew.

In the sequel, it appears as though Margaret (played by Elizabeth Perkins), Emily’s mother, is trying to be cunning when she makes a seemingly random comment at the pre-wedding reception: “I know what you did. I saw the ashes. Who burns a baby, right?” However, this statement, delivered with an air of intoxication and bitterness, actually reveals a crucial plot twist in the movie – a twist that suggests the character Charity is still alive.

In another aspect, I found myself frustrated with the film “Another Simple Favor,” especially the contrived bond between Stephanie and Emily. Yet, this issue stands out as particularly annoying. The weak construction of the mystery is tolerable, but it’s exasperating that the 2025 movie revisits a thread from the first film that should have been left untouched. It’s not just lazy writing to seize on such an easily accessible plot point, but it also falls short as a weaker reflection of one of its precursor’s major twists, which is a common mistake that sequels often make.

Initially, I entered “Another Simple Favor” brimming with optimism and anticipation. However, those feelings evaporated swiftly once I realized it was taking the mysterious route of three secrets. Given that this twist happened approximately 30 minutes into the two-hour film, to claim I was merely displeased with the sequel would be a gross understatement.

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2025-05-09 22:33

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