A Simple Favour is a drama, thriller film based on the book of the same name by Darcey Bell. With drama, sex and mystery, and a duel leading lady cast with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, I was keen and curious to watch this flick.
We are first introduced to Anna Kendrick’s character, Stephanie Smothers who is a single mother of one. She spends most of her spare time making DIY vlogs and doesn’t seem to fit in with the other parents. Stephanie’s son, Miles played by Joshua Satine suggests having a play date with his class mate Nicky who is the son of Blake Lively’s character, Emily Nelson. Emily is a strong-willed, high-fashioned with a busy working career.
When Stephanie is invited back to Emily’s house for their kids’ play date, while their children bond, the two mothers form an unexpected close friendship with martinis and secrets. Emily asks Stephanie as ‘a simple favour’ to pick Nicky up from school one afternoon, which Stephanie without any questions, agrees to. In a sudden disappearance of her best friend, Stephanie turns to her vlog to express her stress and determination for locating her best friend and goes to great lengths to find the answers she desperately seeks, while coming across hidden dark pasts, secrets and betrayal.
The chemistry between Kendrick and Lively with their characters’ friendship was so mysterious yet intriguing to watch. These were two very different personalities that would almost never get along if it weren’t for the kids. However, I found that their on-screen relationship worked so well, and was extremely enjoyable watch the actors bounce off each other with their sense of humour and attitude.
Although I have not read the book, I would highly recommend A Simple Favour, especially to those who enjoyed films such as ‘Gone Girl’ and ‘The Girl on the Train’ where there are twists that will have you on the edge of your seat and keep you guessing. I personally found this movie so enjoyable to watch and I enjoyed every moment as the mystery unfolded before my eyes.