Paul Feig, director of comedy hits such as Bridesmaids and Spy, takes his laughs down a darker road in the deliciously devilish thriller, A Simple Favor. Its style and sass are thanks in large part to its stunning leads, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. They play a pair of moms who form a precarious friendship, courtesy of their sons’ insistence on a playdate. It’s not long before the friendship elicits a favour, resulting in not-so-simple consequences.
There are so many reasons you simply have to watch this highly entertaining and oh-so-stylish mystery thriller. Here are our top four.
The Cast
Kendrick brings her bubbly presence to a deadly boil as mommy-vlogger-widow Stephanie who has to do a simple favour for Lively’s perfect-on-the-outside corporate mom Emily. The two are on fire together, Stephanie’s cute perkiness offset by Emily’s cool elegance. Joining the dynamic duo is Henry Golding as the oh-so-gorgeous husband to the oh-so-gorgeous Emily, as well as the always awesome Jean Smart in a role we won’t disclose.
The Costumes
From Stephanie’s cute-as-a-button ensembles to Emily’s perfectly tailored suits, the ladies’ outfits are to die for. Emily elevates the traditional stylish cuts of her suits with bold splashes such as plunging necklines and oversized cuffs paired with a sleeveless vest. Making her style even more signature are added, almost steampunk touches such as a cane, a pocket watch, and a floppy wide-brimmed hat. And don’t even get us started on her shoes! But she can still play the perfect housewife, thanks to her gorgeous ‘50s style housedress – paired with a set of killer, sparkly stilettos to remind you: she’s not one to mess with.
The Music
Emily looks like she should be sipping an espresso (or perhaps something stronger)? in a Parisian café, and the mix of French songs reinforces the impression. Their effervescent quality also reminds you of Stephanie’s constant bubble and bounce, while their cheeky beats warn that there may be more to her sweet surface than sugary recipes and even more sugary smiles. Brigitte Bardot features on the soundtrack, which is quite fitting considering Lively's style and that of her character feel like a throwback to the heyday of the French actress.
The Ryan Reynolds Nod
How do these mommies cope with work, school, and some semblance of a personal life? Gin, of course. But not just any gin. In a wink wink, nudge nudge nod to Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds, Emily and Stephanie bond over glasses of oh-so-sexy, served-with-a-twist-of-lemon Aviation American Gin. This brand of sexy spirit happens to be the one Reynolds purchased last year. Just remember: keep your gin and your glasses chilled, and don’t add ice. Ever.
Pour yourself a gin (Aviation is available in South Africa FYI) and watch A Simple Favor, this Sunday night, 4 August, at 20:05 on M-Net channel 101 or on Saturday 10 August at 20:00 on M-Net Movies Premiere channel 104.