A Simple Favor (2018)

6.7R117 minDirector: Paul Feig

2018 film by Paul Feig

A Simple Favor is a 2018 American black comedy mystery film directed by Paul Feig from a screenplay by Jessica Sharzer, based on the 2017 novel by Darcey Bell. It stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, and Andrew Rannells, and follows a small-town vlogger (Kendrick) who tries to solve the disappearance of her elegant and mysterious friend (Lively).

The film's development began in 2016 when 20th Century Fox bought the rights to the novel. The following year, it was moved to Lionsgate with Feig hired to direct while Kendrick and Lively were cast in the leading roles. Filming took place in Toronto, Ontario and began in February 2017.

A Simple Favor was released theatrically by Lionsgate in the United States on September 14, 2018. The film received generally positive reviews from critics for its plot twists and performances (especially that of Kendrick, Lively, and Golding). It grossed $97.6 million worldwide on a $20 million budget. A sequel, Another Simple Favor, was released on Amazon Prime Video on May 1, 2025, with Kendrick and Lively reprising their roles, and Feig returning as director.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is A Simple Favor about?
A Simple Favor (2018) — Stephanie, a widowed mother, who also runs a cooking vlog, befriends Emily, an upper-class secretive woman whose child goes to same elementary school as of Stephanie's. Suddenly Emily goes missing and Stephanie starts investigating, only to find dark secrets, which changes the li
Is A Simple Favor based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is A Simple Favor scary?
Content rating: R. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.