Adored smash hits “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat” have a few things in common; they’re lead by spunky women, are hilarious, and directed by the brilliant Paul Feig. His newest hit, “A Simple Favor,” explores the age-old tension between stay-at-home moms and working moms. With gripping performances by Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, a provocative love triangle, and a chest of closely-held secrets, this is a must-see film.
Darcy Bell’s debut novel “A Simple Favor” hit stands in March of 2017. The sultry thriller instantly became a bestseller with what many claimed was the next “Gone Girl.” The famed book made its big screen debut Sept. 14 as a thriller comedy. The movie adaptation stars “Gossip Girl” superstar Blake Lively alongside “Pitch Perfect” triple-threat Anna Kendrick. The hunky leading man in the smash hit “Crazy Rich Asians,” Henry Golding, rounds out the star-studded cast. The film centers around mommy vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) who seeks to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of her best friend Emily Nelson (Blake Lively).
The suspenseful comedy has accumulated 32.56 million dollars in its first 10 days, according to Forbes, so it’s safe to say the movie is a hit. With a 20 million dollar budget, the film’s box-office performance is a success, with positive critical reviews to back it up. The film is approved by Rotten Tomatoes with an 84 percent score; the critic consensus describes the movie as “Twisty, twisted, and above all simply fun.” Adding, “Casts a stylish mommy noir spell strengthened by potent performances.”
There are notable differences between the book and movie in the trailer alone. Stephanie is no longer just a mommy running an online blog-making instructional videos. Kendrick conveys the dark side of lifestyle YouTube channels, which fabricate an almost creepy facade of perfection for the small screen. Stephanie is a widow and finds comfort in her first real-life friendship with an infamous mom, Emily Nelson.
Emily Nelson is just as twisted and badass as she is in the book. With powerful suits and impeccable hair, Lively plays the modern-day working mom who doesn’t let the mommy label stop her drive. Emily and her husband Sean, played by Golding, have what appears to be a perfect marriage. Sean is the butt of the joke with Emily fully in control of her husband’s decisions- or lack thereof. When Emily disappears Stephanie becomes determined to find her friend and help Sean and their son cope with the loss. Of course, it wouldn’t be a thriller without some closely held secrets and eery motives.
“A Simple Favor” is not only a thriller but a spunky comedy, with Lively and Kendrick’s chemistry stealing every scene. The juxtaposition between the two moms showcases both the actresses’ impeccable comedic timing. The actresses successfully display the power dynamic and femininity between the different characters making them the reason to watch.
