
A Simple Favor - A Mismatched Mélange of Mystery and Dark Comedy
A Simple Favor, a 2018 American black comedy mystery film directed by Paul Feig and written by Jessica Sharzer, boldly ventures into the murky waters of noir and dark humor, yet finds itself struggling to anchor its identity. Admittedly, I wasn't even aware this movie existed until the sequel, Another Simple Favor, was released in 2025. Intrigued by the premise of the follow-up and drawn in by the presence of the charismatic duo Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their roles, I felt compelled to watch the original first. Based on Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel, the film promises a cocktail of suspense, secrets, and twisted relationships set against the seemingly mundane backdrop of small-town Connecticut. While initially captivating with its dark humor and intriguing premise, the film gradually falters under its own labyrinthine plot and tonal inconsistencies, leaving audiences perplexed as to whether they are watching a quirky comedy, a noir thriller, or a diluted Gone Girl without the visual flair.