In a surprising twist following the success of 2018's A Simple Favor, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively are back in the spotlight with their latest film, Nur noch ein kleiner Gefallen (Another Simple Favor). This sequel sees Kendrick reprising her role as Stephanie Smothers, a True Crime vlogger who has found her calling after contributing to solving a crime. However, the film's release comes amid personal turmoil for Lively, who is embroiled in a legal battle against her film's director, Justin Baldoni.
In December 2024, Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, 41, claiming sexual harassment and an attempt to damage her reputation. Baldoni responded with a counterclaim, intensifying the public scrutiny surrounding the film's release. "I’ve had quite an intense year," Lively remarked, highlighting the challenges she has faced in both her personal and professional life.
As the film's release date approached, the tension between the two actors became a prominent topic of conversation. Kendrick's character, Stephanie, unexpectedly reunites with Lively's Emily Nelson, who she had previously helped to convict for murder. This time, however, Emily asks Stephanie to be her maid of honor at her upcoming wedding to Dante Versano, played by Michele Morrone, the son of a powerful mafia matriarch.
The film, which debuted on May 1, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video, had a budget of around $20 million and grossed about five times that amount, similar to its predecessor. Despite the success of the first film, which was based on Darcey Bell's novel, this sequel had no direct source material, leading the creative team, including returning director Paul Feig and screenwriters Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis, to craft an original story.
Set against a glamorous backdrop in Capri, the film promises intrigue and humor, but it has also received mixed reviews. Critics noted that while the first installment blended mystery-thriller elements with comedy, the sequel leans more heavily into farce, sometimes at the expense of a coherent plot. The humor, while present, has been described as erratic, as the characters navigate a series of absurd situations.
In a world where nothing seems to go right, the film's humor is derived from the characters' incompetence, regardless of which side of the law they find themselves on. "It’s a chaotic comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously," said one critic, highlighting the film's aim to entertain rather than provide a gripping narrative.
Despite the challenges of adapting a successful film, the chemistry between Kendrick and Lively remains a focal point. Their performances, alongside a supporting cast that includes Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, and Henry Golding, contribute to the film's charm, even if the plot falters.
As the film industry continues to navigate the complexities of sequels and adaptations, Nur noch ein kleiner Gefallen serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Hollywood. While some may argue that a sequel was unnecessary, the film's combination of humor and style has found its audience.
In addition to the film's release, May 2025 brings a host of new content to Amazon Prime Video. Highlights include the documentary Octopus!, which explores the fascinating world of octopuses, and the series Nine Perfect Strangers, featuring Nicole Kidman and an ensemble cast. These new offerings add to the platform's diverse lineup, ensuring that viewers have plenty of options for their next binge-watch.
As the industry evolves, it remains to be seen how Lively's ongoing legal battles will affect her career and public perception. For now, she continues to promote her latest film, balancing personal challenges with professional commitments.
May 2, 2025, also marks significant birthdays for notable figures, including Bianca Jagger, who celebrates her 80th, and Princess Charlotte, who turns ten. These milestones are celebrated amidst a backdrop of continuing public interest in celebrity culture.
Meanwhile, the film Nur noch ein kleiner Gefallen has sparked conversations about the portrayal of women in media and the complexities of friendships under strain. As Kendrick and Lively navigate their on-screen relationship, audiences are left to ponder the dynamics of trust and betrayal.
In conclusion, the sequel to A Simple Favor arrives with a mix of excitement and controversy, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. As the film industry continues to explore new narratives, Kendrick and Lively's latest venture serves as both a continuation of a beloved story and a reflection of the challenges faced by its stars.
