Hendrick, Lively perfectly cast in ‘A Simple Favor’ 

“A Simple Favor” is either a very dark comedy or a hilarious suspense thriller; maybe both. This intelligent dramedy is filled with mystery, scandal, family betrayal, murder and revenge. Lot’s to laugh about, huh? Director Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”), master of comedic films, has taken on his first serious film in fifteen years. However, it’s not like he didn’t know what to do with the material, he knew exactly what to do.

Based on the novel by Darcey Bell, the story begins as a soccer-mom situation comedy but briskly moves to a dark satire on motherhood, relationships and life itself. Anna Kendrick (“Perfect Pitch”) and Blake Lively (“The Age of Adeline”) are perfectly cast individually and together, as best friends with a curious attraction towards each other.

They are so dissimilar, physically, socially and emotionally, we wondered at times if they were the same species. Stephanie (Kendrick) is a short, sweet, widowed brunette broadcasting a video mommy blog. Mocked by other parents for her energetic spirit, she thinks, “Secrets are like margarine, easy to spread but bad for the heart.”

Meanwhile, the brash and sarcastic Emily (Lively) is an elegant and sophisticated, blonde with seemingly everything life could offer, other than happiness. Emily expresses to Stephanie, “You’re so nice, I can’t imagine how you survived this long.” Stephanie asks, “I guess I’m not the kind of person you’re normally friends with?” Emily responds, “Oh, you don’t want to be friends with me, trust me.”

The bright musical score features charming French versions of American songs. Martini glasses are raised high and often for a most fascinating interaction between the two. They say opposites attract, but the instant attraction here is not immediately apparent. Emily is cynical and exciting, while Stephanie is accommodating and grounded.

They each have something the other wants, but the audience can’t determine where it is going to go. The friendship already seems one-sided when Emily asks, “I need a simple favor.” Then, without notice, Emily disappears and is nowhere to be found. Stephanie decides to use her wits and vlogg to help find the whereabouts and the truth about her new BFF.

First stop is Emily’s husband Sean, played by the charming Henry Golding (“Crazy Rich Asians”), who says, “She’s an enigma, my wife. You can get close to her, but you never quite reach her, she’s like a beautiful ghost.” After the lead role in “Crazy Rich Asians” and now this picture, Henry Golding has deservedly become an instant star in his first two roles. Together, Henry and Stephanie attempt to unravel the mystery, but the plot begins to twist and turn in directions neither could anticipate.

The issues are serious and weighty, but the dialog and characters keep the story light throughout. The investigation compares favorably with the best procedurals, reminiscent of “Gone Girl” (2014), but this is just a lot more fun at every level.

The strong supporting cast includes Jean Smart and Andrew Runnells, but this is an Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively show. They are solid actors, but these are their best performances yet. On a side note, the many drinks in the film are made with Aviation Gin, owned by Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool”), Lively’s husband.

“A Simple Favor” is 117 minutes and rated R for sexual content, language, graphic nude images, drug use and violence. The psychological thriller is twisted, trashy and toxic but also original, stylish and compelling. It is simultaneously hilarious and uncomfortable but exceptional popcorn entertainment.

The setting is a small town in Connecticut but could be anywhere in Suburbia USA. The local PTA envies Stephanie’s role model of the energetic over-achieving mom while Evelyn is so poised, chic and self-assured. They both have deep dark secrets that just might collide. Maybe the title could have been, “The Sisterhood of Traveling Rants.”

Ron’s Rating: A- Leigh’s Rating: B+

 




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