Honestly, it’s hard to think of a more iconic entrance in modern cinema than Blake Lively stepping out of a car in a torrential downpour, holding a massive umbrella, and looking like she just walked off a Ralph Lauren runway while everyone else is wearing sensible rain gear. That’s the magic of A Simple Favor Blake Lively brought to the screen. She didn’t just play a character; she created a vibe that people are still trying to recreate on TikTok years later.
Emily Nelson is basically the antithesis of the "girl next door." She’s sharp. She’s mean. She drinks martinis at 2:00 PM like they’re water. When she tells Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie to "slap the sorry out of you," you actually feel the sting through the screen. It was a massive departure for Lively, who most of us still associated with the shimmering prep of Gossip Girl or the "everywoman" roles that didn’t quite let her teeth show. In this movie, she’s all teeth.
The Suit That Changed Everything
You can't talk about A Simple Favor Blake Lively without talking about the suits. It wasn't just a costume choice; it was a character philosophy. Director Paul Feig—who is famous for wearing a three-piece suit to the grocery store—collaborated with costume designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus to create a look that was "enigmatic and hilariously over-the-top."
- The Dickies and Cuffs: Emily wears dandy-inspired menswear, including pocket watches and canes, which makes her stand out against the suburban backdrop of Connecticut.
- The Power Play: The wardrobe was designed to show that Emily "wears the pants" in every room she enters.
- The Secret Stash: Fun fact—Lively actually liked the Ralph Lauren suits so much that she requested to "borrow" them for the press tour and then just kept them in her closet. Smart move.
The fashion worked because it felt like a costume Emily herself was wearing to hide her past. She wasn't just a PR director; she was a woman playing the role of a PR director.
📖 Related: Blink-182 Mark Hoppus: What Most People Get Wrong About His 2026 Comeback
What Most People Get Wrong About Emily Nelson
There’s a common misconception that Emily is just a "cool girl" who went off the rails. If you look closer, she’s actually a deeply traumatized survivor who weaponized her trauma.
In the movie, we learn her real name is Hope McLanden. She and her twin sister, Faith, burned down their family home with their abusive father inside. That's not just "drama"—that’s a origin story that explains why she’s so comfortable with arson and identity theft. While Stephanie is vlogging about zucchini bread, Emily is calculating how to kill her sister and steal a $4 million insurance policy.
The movie deviates wildly from Darcey Bell’s original book here. In the book, Emily’s husband Sean is actually in on the scam. The movie makes him a bit of a clueless pawn, which honestly makes Emily look even more terrifying. She isn’t just working the system; she’s working every single person in her life.
👉 See also: Why Grand Funk’s Bad Time is Secretly the Best Pop Song of the 1970s
Why We’re All Obsessed With the Sequel
If you thought the 2018 movie was the end, you’re in luck. Another Simple Favor just dropped on Prime Video (as of May 2025), and it takes the chaos to Italy.
The sequel reunites Lively and Kendrick in Capri. This time, Emily is getting married to a rich Italian businessman, but because this is Emily Nelson we’re talking about, there’s naturally a body count. The fashion has shifted from three-piece suits to 40-pound floral halter tops and 40-foot bejeweled veils. It’s peak camp.
Putting the Mystery to Bed
If you’re planning a rewatch or diving into the sequel, keep an eye on the details. Notice how Emily never lets her picture be taken. Look at the tattoos on her wrist—the ones that honor a stillborn sister, a detail added specifically for the film to give the twins more depth.
✨ Don't miss: Why La Mera Mera Radio is Actually Dominating Local Airwaves Right Now
Next Steps for the Emily Nelson Wannabes:
- Master the Martini: Emily’s specific method involves a chilled glass, a twist of lemon, and absolutely no "sorry" allowed.
- Ditch the Apologies: Follow Emily’s lead—stop saying "sorry" for taking up space. Maybe don't commit insurance fraud, though.
- The Suit Strategy: If you want to command a room, try a tailored pinstripe suit. It worked for Blake, and it’ll work for your next board meeting.
The enduring legacy of A Simple Favor Blake Lively isn't just the plot twists. It’s the reminder that the most dangerous person in the room is often the one who looks the best and cares the least. Emily Nelson didn't just disappear; she became a legend.