Starring: Anna Kendrick, Ian Ho, Blake Lively, Joshua Satine, Henry Golding
Director: Paul Feig
Release date: 21st September 2018
Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) is an American mum with one son, Miles. She has her own Vlog and is one of those mums that likes to be ahead of the game and organises everything. One day after school, Miles asks if he can have a play date with his school friend, Nicky. Stephanie is unsure and she hasn’t really spent any time with Nicky’s mum, Emily before. Emily (Blake Lively) is everything that Stephanie isn’t; stylish, aloof and mysterious. The mums’ arms are twisted by the boys and they go over to Emily’s expensive and well-designed home. They begin to talk and soon Emily is asking probing questions about Stephanie’s deepest darkest secrets. The pair soon become firm friends and begin to spend a lot of time together. Then Stephanie gets a call from Emily asking her to collect Nicky from school for her. She does as requested but a few days pass and she hasn’t heard anything from Emily. Stephanie becomes worried and goes on a mission to find her missing friend. Where is Emily?
‘A Simple Favour’ is based on the debut novel by American author, Darcey Bell, which was first published in March 2017. In the novel, the story is told from multiple viewpoints.
I really enjoyed ‘A Simple Favour’. The fact that it’s a relatively small cast helps you to associate with the characters that little bit more. Anna Kendrick’s character, Stephanie is initially uptight and a bit of a control freak, but her friendship with Emily gradually begins to change her as a person. Blake Lively almost steals the movie in her role as Emily. You can definitely see what real life husband, Ryan Reynolds sees in her. My friend remarked that she looks a bit like a young Jane Seymour, which is a good thing by anyone’s standards.
A movie that will keep you guessing from start to finish, you’ll probably start having ‘lightbulb moments’ midway through. A great movie that will keep most people entertained for the duration and with plot twists all over the place, ‘A Simple Favour’ is one to head to for a night out with your mates.
Overall: 8.5/10
