We all remember the martinis. The sharp suits. That weirdly addictive, toxic chemistry between a perky mommy vlogger and a chic, terrifying fashion PR director. When the first movie dropped in 2018, it was a sleeper hit that basically redefined the "suburban noir" genre. Naturally, everyone wanted more. But the road to Blake Lively A Simple Favor 2—officially titled Another Simple Favor—has been a lot messier than Emily Nelson’s perfectly chilled gin.
Honestly, for a while there, it felt like the sequel was cursed. Between Hollywood strikes, filming delays in Italy, and a tidal wave of off-screen drama involving Blake Lively's other projects, fans weren't even sure if the movie would actually see the light of day. But it's here. And it is much weirder than you probably expected.
The Italy Move: Why Capri Changed Everything
If you loved the rainy, gray Connecticut vibes of the first film, you’re in for a shock. Director Paul Feig moved the entire production to the island of Capri. It wasn't just a random choice for a pretty background. Feig has been vacationing there for decades and apparently always wanted to film a murder mystery against those bright blue Mediterranean waters.
The plot picks up five years after the original. Emily is fresh out of prison (thanks to some high-powered legal maneuvering) and immediately tracks down Stephanie. Her request? A "simple favor," obviously. She wants Stephanie to be her maid of honor at her wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman/mobster named Dante Versano, played by 365 Days star Michele Morrone.
It's a total "fish out of water" setup. You've got Stephanie, who is now a successful true-crime author and vlogger, trying to navigate the high-stakes world of Italian organized crime while wearing floral dresses that definitely don't fit the "mafia chic" dress code. The production spent twelve days filming at the famous Grand Hotel Quisisana, a spot that’s usually reserved for royalty and heads of state. They even filmed at Villa Jovis, the ruins of Emperor Tiberius's palace. It’s glamorous, sure, but the movie uses that beauty as a mask for some seriously dark turns.
The "Feud" and the Final Cut Controversy
You can't talk about Blake Lively A Simple Favor 2 without addressing the elephant in the room. During the press tour and the lead-up to the May 1, 2025 release, the internet was convinced that Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick were at each other's throats.
Rumors flew on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok that Lively’s legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni had soured the mood on the Simple Favor set. People were analyzing every red carpet photo from the SXSW premiere, claiming the two stars looked "uncomfortable."
Paul Feig actually had to step in. He was pretty blunt about it, calling the rumors "total BS." He went on record saying that Blake was a "dream to work with" and a total collaborator. There was even a weird conspiracy theory that there were two different cuts of the movie—a "Paul cut" and a "Blake cut"—similar to the drama surrounding It Ends With Us. Feig shut that down too, clarifying that there is only one cut: his.
The truth is likely much more boring. Kendrick lives on the West Coast, Lively lives on the East Coast. They aren't "besties" who grab coffee every Tuesday, but their onscreen "weird chemistry" (Kendrick's words) is exactly what makes the sequel work. They play characters who shouldn't like each other, and that friction is the engine of the whole franchise.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Plot
A lot of people expected a direct continuation of the first film's ending. But the sequel pivots hard. It’s less about a missing person and more of a classic whodunit with a massive body count.
Once the wedding party hits Italy, people start dying. First, it’s Sean (Henry Golding), who has become a bit of a pathetic, disillusioned drunk since the first movie. Then there’s the groom himself. Stephanie ends up under house arrest in Italy—which explains the livestreaming scenes that open the film—trying to clear her name while everyone from the Italian police to the FBI (including a "dopey" agent played by Allison Janney) suspects she’s the killer.
The biggest twist? It involves triplets.
Yes, it sounds like a soap opera.
We already knew about Emily’s twin sister Faith from the first movie. But the sequel introduces Charity, the third sister who everyone thought died at birth. It’s a bold, slightly ridiculous choice that leans heavily into the "camp" energy Paul Feig loves. If you’re looking for a grounded, realistic thriller, this isn't it. It’s meant to be over-the-top.
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The New Faces of the Sequel
The cast grew significantly for the second outing.
- Allison Janney: Plays Aunt Linda, a con artist who basically pulls the strings behind the scenes.
- Elizabeth Perkins: Took over the role of Emily’s mother, Margaret (originally played by Jean Smart).
- Alex Newell: Plays Stephanie's book agent, Vicky, who gets dragged into the chaos.
- Elena Sofia Ricci: Plays Portia, the formidable mother of the groom who hates Emily from the jump.
Why This Movie Matters for Blake Lively's Career
For Blake Lively, this sequel was a major test. Her career has been under a microscope lately, and Emily Nelson is arguably her most iconic role since Serena van Woodsen. In Another Simple Favor, she doubles down on the "bemused psycho" energy. She wears a series of increasingly impractical, high-fashion suits—think white waistcoats and dramatic hats—that have already sparked a thousand Pinterest boards.
Despite the mixed reviews from critics who felt the plot was too convoluted, the movie performed well on Prime Video. It proved that audiences are still hungry for this specific brand of "rich people behaving badly" mystery, especially when it's served with a side of dry humor and Italian scenery.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Viewers
If you’re planning to dive into the sequel or just want to keep up with the franchise, here is the reality of where things stand:
- Watch the first one again: The sequel is packed with in-jokes and references to the first movie’s plot twists. If you don't remember the details about the house fire or the insurance scam, the humor in the sequel might miss the mark.
- Don't expect the book ending: The first movie already deviated massively from Darcey Bell’s novel. The sequel is almost entirely original material, so don't bother looking for spoilers in a bookstore.
- Check out the soundtrack: Theodore Shapiro returned for the music, and just like the first film, the French pop-heavy soundtrack is half the fun. It sets that "chic but dangerous" tone perfectly.
- Look for the fashion details: Renée Ehrlich Kalfus returned as the costume designer. Pay attention to Emily’s outfits—they often signal which "persona" she’s playing at any given moment.
The ending of the film leaves the door cracked just a tiny bit. Stephanie returns home to write her second book, and Emily remains in hiding in Italy. While a third movie hasn't been greenlit yet, the success of the Prime Video release suggests we might not have seen the last of Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson. Just don't expect the next "favor" to be any simpler than the first two.