If you thought Paul Feig’s 2018 adaptation of Darcey Bell’s novel “A Simple Favor” was twisted and twisty, hang on to your oversized but chic hat, because the sequel, “Another Simple Favor” (Amazon/MGM/Lionsgate), also directed by Feig, is as snaking as a road in Capri (where the movie is set, by the way).
By amping up the body count, as well as the queer factor, the results become wacky, escapist fun (with a hint of a potential third installment right before the end credits).
Having survived her dark and deadly interactions with Emily/Hope (Blake Lively) in the first installment, Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) is now a full-fledged true crime podcaster/vlogger, as well as the author of a book about her experience. After sending son Miles off to overnight camp, Stephanie does a reading at a bookstore attended by several fans as well as gay pal Darren (out actor Andrew Rannels) and her assistant/agent Vicky (non-binary actor Alex Newell). When “cold-blooded killer” Emily shows up at the bookstore, out on appeal due to her new high-priced legal representation, she has a new favor to ask. She wants Stephanie to be the maid-of-honor at her wedding to Dante (Michele Morrone), taking place in Capri. Emily presents it “Godfather”-style as an offer that Stephanie can’t refuse, which is fitting because Dante is a genuine Mafioso.
Once on the island, Stephanie is subjected to a series of events she never could have planned for or imagined. In addition to being tailed by Irene (Taylor Ortega), an inexperienced FBI agent, she once again crosses paths with Emily’s “gin-pickled” mother Margaret (this time played by an unrecognizable Elizabeth Perkins) and is introduced to the mysterious Aunt Linda (Allison Janney). She must also contend with Dante’s mother Portia (Elena Sofia Ricci), a kind of female mafia dona, who loathes and mistrusts Emily. Stephanie is also reunited with Sean (Henry Golding), Emily’s ex-husband with whom she had an affair, and Emily’s son Nicky (Ian Ho), a former classmate of Miles’.
Additionally, Emily is enjoying the cat and mouse game she’s playing with Stephanie. Taunting her one minute and then making amends the next. However, Stephanie is doing her best to hold her own against such a sinister opponent.
Then, the bodies start dropping. First, it’s Sean, whose death in a hotel room shower is alternately titillating (it’s Henry Golding in the buff after all!) and terrifying (his murder is brutal). During the wedding reception, Dante also meets a bad end, involving both bullets and bottle rockets. And in case you couldn’t guess, Margaret isn’t long for the world, either.
This is where “Another Simple Favor” becomes complicated, including revelations about Dante’s secret involvement with a (male) member of the competing mob clan. Also, Aunt Linda, and the introduction of Emily’s additional incest-y sister Charity takes things in an increasingly bizarre direction. Let’s just say that Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” isn’t the only movie currently in theaters to feature AI-created identical siblings.
As kinky as it is kooky, “Another Simple Favor” is more than just a simple sequel.
Rating: B-
