In the streaming era, it feels like we’re seeing more belated sequels than ever. Not just because everything now eventually gets a legacy sequel, but because a film becoming a streaming hit might give it unexpected new life. Back in 2018, Paul Feig’s A Simple Favour was a glossy, twisty romp with rug-pulls galore, and a compelling dynamic between Anna Kendrick’s vlogger and Blake Lively’s alluring PR director – a combination which saw the film become a solid success on release, and an even bigger word-of-mouth favourite on streamers. So much so that Feig, Lively and Kendrick are all back for Another Simple Favour – a sequel that (minor spoiler alert!) busts Lively’s ‘Emily’ out of prison, and sends everyone off to Italy.
All these years later, it seems Stephanie Smothers is now a celebrated author – having written up her encounter with Emily into hit book ‘The Faceless Blonde’. But when Emily rocks up to a book signing and invites Stephanie to attend her wedding (as maid of honour, no less) it kicks off a whole new dangerous chain of events on the Italian Riviera. Many of the original ingredients in A Simple Favour’s heady cocktail are back here – not just the central duo, but the fashion-forward styling, poppy visuals, and camply murderous tone. Plus, Henry Golding and Andrew Rannells are back, as is screenwriter Jessica Sharzer returns (this time alongside co-writer Laeta Kalogridis).
The big change? Another Simple Favour is heading straight to streaming, coming to Prime Video on 1 May. All involved will surely be hoping that it does big numbers like its predecessor. We’ll find out the initial critical verdict on the sequel when it debuts at SXSW on 7 March. Start getting your finest outfit ready now – yes, even if you’re watching on your sofa.