Brief Review of 'A Simple Favour'
While stuck on bedrest after my surgery, I clearly had a lot of time on my hands, and a lot of creativity that needed to be released. So, here is my opinion on this super odd film.
I was simply starstruck by the overwhelming levels of female dominance in this film. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively hit audiences hard in this French-chic, retro style story told through the vlogging of Stephanie. Vlogging takes straight up balls, so good for her on that one, but as a mother, she is made fun of.
Life can be hard as a single-mum, so when Stephanie finally makes a new friend, it seems like everything has fallen into place for her. The extravagantly lavish lifestyle that bestie Emily flashes before her is a mere glimpse of the mystery she is about to get herself in for. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie is left to reconsider everything she thought she knew about her BFF.
The film adaptation of Darcey Bell’s novel highlights the teen clique like social groups that parents often fall into, as Stephanie clearly represents the typical ‘outsider’ character. Em and Steph’s ‘unlikely’ friendship immediately intrigues the audience, particularly through the undeniable lesbian vibes that can be felt almost imminently, and give the film an even more watchable quality. Blake Lively is an absolute fashion icon in the film, repping all sorts of Villanelle feels as director Paul Feig blatantly underlines themes of female empowerment, alcoholism and mental health problems.
Seductive and emotional performances from both leading actresses made me proud to be Female and the use of the vlogging to create a framing narrative deeply evokes the question: Is the internet taking over? And the answer, according to Stephanie:
“Everybody has a dark side. Some people are just better at hiding it”.
Nice and easy to watch via Netflix - I would give this a solid 4/5, and may even watch again.
If you're looking for a film that'll give you a nice mind screw, then this is for you.