Initial Reactions to *Another Simple Favor* Premiere at SXSW 2025
The buzz surrounding *Another Simple Favor* is palpable following its premiere at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW). Scheduled for release on Amazon’s streaming platform on May 1, this sequel picks up after the events of the first film, *A Simple Favor*, released in 2018. The story follows the characters Stephanie Smothers, portrayed by Anna Kendrick, and Emily Nelson, played by Blake Lively, as they travel to Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy Italian entrepreneur. However, as expected, themes of murder and betrayal complicate the idyllic setting.
This screening marked a significant moment for Lively, who attended as this was her first major public appearance since her highly publicized legal disputes with Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of *It Ends with Us*.
Director’s Return and Cast Remarks
Paul Feig returns to direct this installment, and ahead of the premiere, he shared his enthusiasm for working with both Kendrick and Lively. “I love Blake. I love working with Anna; I love working with Blake, and that’s all I can say. She’s a great collaborator,”Feig stated in an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*.
During the SXSW screening, Lively expressed her fondness for her character, reflecting on her initial nerves while filming the first installment. “I was really nervous on the first one, because I didn’t know if we were making a drama or a comedy. We asked Paul, and he said ‘Yes,’ which is not really an answer to the question. But it worked out,” she noted, highlighting the comedic and dramatic balance that characterizes the film.
Social Media Reactions and Critiques
As with any film premiere, the audience’s reactions on social media provide a glimpse into its reception. Below, you’ll find a selection of early reviews:
Another Simple Favor kicks off SXSW in style. Paul Feig ups the ante here delivering even bigger laughs and a lot of thrills. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are lightning together once again. While the twists are absolutely absurd, I was so damn entertained by them. Don’t like… pic.twitter.com/UwMvi6naLf
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) March 8, 2025
ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR takes everything that worked in the first film and doubles, sometimes even triples, down on it, resulting in an overly elaborate sequel that has its charms but also its dark spots. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively share such playful chemistry that the laughs,… pic.twitter.com/3PktCK77uJ
— Matt Neglia @SXSW (@NextBestPicture) March 8, 2025
ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR: Anna Kendrick is so good she almost distracts from a woefully forced-fun, faux-nasty screenplay that’s a massive drop off from the original. Backwards bonus point for Blake Lively playing a woman who goes around threatening lawsuits. #SXSW
— Barry Hertz (@HertzBarry) March 8, 2025
Just watched the world premiere of #AnotherSimpleFavor at @SXSW, and enjoyed every supremely silly moment of it. Anna Kendrick & Blake Lively have top-notch chemistry, and the Italian backdrop offers delightful shenanigans even if it loses some of the original’s mysterious edge. pic.twitter.com/vCYeqzPC3Z
— The Distracted Tatiana (@myrcellasear) March 8, 2025
#AnotherSimpleFavor is so much fun. Even better than the first and there’s a TWIST 😂 #BlakeLively #AnnaKendrick left no crumb!
— WHO LET US OUT (@Wholetusout) March 8, 2025
‘Another Simple Favor’ is such a delight! What a way to kick off SXSW! Beautiful scenery and a plot that will keep you shocked at every turn! Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick are the dynamic duo we’ve missed! A murder mystery that will have you ugly laughing!… pic.twitter.com/pZZqRGfxI4
— chalice✨ (@HeyChalice) March 8, 2025
Another Simple Favor is a great follow up to a fantastic film. Lots of hilarious callbacks to the first, so you definitely should watch it if you haven’t. The twists are shocking, unexpected, & just keep coming! A really fun time with some great performances. #AnotherSimpleFavor pic.twitter.com/wHViHUhsIg
— Tessa Smith – Mama’s Geeky (@MamasGeeky) March 8, 2025
Paul Feig does it again, delivering delirious entertainment with this worthy sequel. It’s not breaking any new ground with its formula, but Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are impossible to resist. Deserves to be a theatrical release. #AnotherSimpleFavor #SXSW
— Shane Slater (@filmactually) March 8, 2025
Just saw the world premiere of #AnotherSimpleFavor at #SXSW. Very rarely do sequels live up to the original, but I enjoyed the film just as much, if not more. The tonal shift is refreshing, the twists had me gasping, and the cast brings their A-game. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/YBmIaB8Msx
— Rachel Foertsch (@rachfoertsch) March 8, 2025
Another Simple Favor: Trades in the original’s salacious, airport trash novel glee for flat studio comedy. A huge miscalculation to go big for the sequel, and a pretty disappointing opener for #SXSW. pic.twitter.com/p2jH2Msgt4
— Jeff Zhang 张佶润 (@strangeharbors) March 8, 2025
For further insights and updates, you can view the entire coverage in detail at the Hollywood Reporter.