Another Simple Favor: Secrets, Style, and a Sip of Queer Representation

When A Simple Favor came out in 2018, it wasn’t just a movie. It was a whole vibe. Between Blake Lively’s tailored suits, Anna Kendricks’s awkward charm, and a twisty, campy plot, it quickly became a cult favorite in my book. So, when Another Simple Favor was announced, I was both excited and a little nervous. Sequels are tricky. The way the previous movie ended kind of put a bow on everything and it felt complete. Well, this sequel brought the same chaotic charm, a few fresh surprises, and continued the stylish, queer-tinged ride that we all loved the first time around.

Fashion, Femme Fatals, and Familiar Faces

Without spoiling anything (the twists are half the fun), the plot picks up with Emily and Stephanie reunited for yet another mystery. We go abroad to Capri, Italy for an extravagant wedding. Just like the original, this film blends dark comedy with intrigue and plenty of glam.

Blake Lively’s Emily returns in full force, just as confident and irresistibly fashionable as before. Wardrobe is practically a character of its own. The styles range from over-sized sun hats to sharp suits and red-bottom stilettos. Emily wears her identity as boldly as her outfits. Part of this is what makes her such a compelling character. As a queer woman, she is stylish, messy, and unafraid to take up space. Her bisexuality isn’t treated like a twist or a secret; it’s part of who she is and this feels refreshingly normal for a genre that often uses queerness as a punchline.

Yes, the drinks are back. If the first movie made you want to mix a perfectly chilled gin martini, you’d be very happy to know the tradition continues. Fun fact: while the original film featured Aviation Gin (owned by Blake’s husband Ryan Reynolds), this sequel switches it to a bottle from director Paul Feig’s own gin line. Small detail, but it adds a personal, behind-the-scenes charm that I appreciated.

Representation That’s Both Loud and Quiet

Another Simpler Favor also surprised me with a nod to representation I didn’t expect – and won’t spoil – but it was handled thoughtfully. It speaks to the reality that some people still feel they have to hide who they are despite a space that seems accepting on the surface. It was subtle but powerful, and it added an unexpected layer of humanity to all the twists and glamor.

The supporting cast also feels more diverse this time around. Added characters of color and queer-coded moments add to the fun without feeling forced. The movie never tries to preach, but it does show how representation can blend into the campiest of thrillers if you’re paying attention.

It’s Still a Vibe

While I loved the first movie more… it’s hard to beat the original’s perfect blend of shock and sass… Another Simple Favor was a fun ride that kept me guessing until the end. The chemistry is still there. The fashion is flawless. And the mystery still unravels with just enough wit to keep it from taking itself too seriously.

It’s stylish, inclusive, and totally entertaining. Exactly what a good sequel should be!