A Simple Favor
A Simple Favor is a 2018 American black comedy mystery film directed by Paul Feig and written by Jessica Sharzer, based on Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel.
A Simple Favor is a 2018 American black comedy mystery film directed by Paul Feig and written by Jessica Sharzer, based on Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel. It stars Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively as two mothers whose relationship becomes entangled in a disappearance mystery. The film was released theatrically in the United States on September 14, 2018, and later received a sequel, Another Simple Favor, in 2025.
Plot
The film centres on Stephanie, a suburban parenting vlogger, who becomes involved in the disappearance of her glamorous friend Emily. As she investigates, the story blends mystery, comedy, and darker thriller elements.
Cast and characters
Anna Kendrick plays Stephanie and Blake Lively plays Emily. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Linda Cardellini, Jean Smart, and Rupert Friend appear in supporting roles.
Production and release
Paul Feig directed the film from a screenplay by Jessica Sharzer, adapting Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel. It premiered in U.S. theatres on September 14, 2018, through Lionsgate.
Reception and box office
The film was commercially successful, grossing $97.6 million worldwide on a reported $20 million budget. Reviews described it as a mixture of mystery, comedy, and stylish thriller elements.
Sequel
Another Simple Favor continued the story and was released on Amazon Prime Video on May 1, 2025. Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Paul Feig returned for the sequel.
Key facts
- The film is a black comedy mystery with thriller elements.
- It follows Stephanie, a mommy vlogger, as she investigates the disappearance of her friend Emily.
- The cast includes Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Linda Cardellini, Jean Smart, and Rupert Friend.
- It was produced and released by Lionsgate in the United States.
- A sequel, Another Simple Favor, was released in 2025 with Kendrick, Lively, and Feig returning.
The film screened internationally and was reviewed by Canadian and Canadian-facing media, but it is an American production with no specific Canadian setting or production focus in the available sources.[15]
Frequently asked questions
What is A Simple Favor about?
Who directed A Simple Favor?
When was A Simple Favor released?
Is A Simple Favor based on a book?
Did A Simple Favor have a sequel?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Simple_Favor_(film)Supports: Director, writers, cast, release date, box office, sequel, and synopsis
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_simple_favorSupports: Synopsis, director, rating, release date, runtime, and genre
- RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-simple-favor-2018Supports: Film tone and genre description
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Simple-Favor-filmSupports: Identification of the film as A Simple Favor (2018)
- ABC News — https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-13/anna-kendrick-blake-lively-a-simple-favour-review/10237656Supports: Adaptation from Darcey Bell’s novel and release timing
- Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/a-simple-favorSupports: Cast, director, studio, runtime, MPAA rating, and content descriptors