“A Simple Favor”, based on the debut thriller novel by Darcey Bell, was released on September 14th to general positive reviews from the audience and critics. Though the constant plot twists will have the audience at the edge of their seats, the overall impression is that the movie tries too hard to fight the predictability once overcame by previous successes such as ‘Gone Girl’ (2014).
The feature revolves around blogger mom Stephanie, played by Anna Kendrick, who is investigating the sudden and mysterious disappearance of her best friend Emily, played by Blake Lively. Together with Emily’s husband, Sean (played by Henry Golding), Stephanie will find out that Emily might not be exactly who she claimed to be.
Lively shines as an intimidating contrast to Kendrick’s, at times, awkward mother persona. Lively’s character is show-stealing, not much different than previous roles such as her role of Serena Van der Woodsen’s in the hit series ‘Gossip Girl’ (2007-2012), though edgier.
The movie can be classified as both a suspense and a comedy – though its shift between genres may confuse the most attentive viewers at first, it is a safe take for entertainment.
