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A friend calls and asks for a simple favor. What could go wrong? Everything.
Director Paul Feig’s Another Simple Favor premiered as part of the 2025 edition of the SXSW Conference and Festivals, which ran March 7 through 15. This was the 32nd year of the film and TV festival, which included 96 features with multiple world, international, and North American premieres.
Don’t Do Sequels
Director Paul Feig, while on the red carpet in a cowboy outfit, commented that he usually doesn’t do sequels. “They tend to turn out bad,” he said. But, to SXSW’s and soon film lovers’ in general delight, he made an exception this time.
Feig, known for wild, female-centered comedies such as Bridesmaids, decided to create a follow-up to A Simple Favor. He said the return of the cast from the original was a motivating factor.
Mega Plot Twists
In the original, based on a novel by Darcey Bell, Stephanie, a single mom and vlogger played by Anna Kendrick, makes friends with another mom who has a child at the same elementary school. When the other mom, Emily, played by Blake Lively, goes missing, Stephanie launches an investigation.
In Another Simple Favor, things start off innocently enough as Emily asks Stephanie to accompany her to Italy to assist in her wedding. Things get complicated when murder and betrayal turn up on the guest list.
The twists and turns in Another Simple Favor make Game of Thrones look as simple as a nursery rhyme. As I watched in the Paramount Theatre, I wished I could rewind at times just to check on something. You’ll want to pay close attention to all the details.
Other members of the cast include Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Alex Newell, Henry Golding, and Allison Janney.
SXSW Favorite
Feig’s films have been favorites at SXSW for years. Another Simple Favor has been added to that list. Claudette Godfrey, SXSW VP of Film and Television, commented in a SXSW press release: “When we saw this film last fall, we instantly knew it had to open SXSW – it gave us that electric feeling we live for as programmers. Paul Feig and SXSW share an unmatched love for bold, fearless comedy. From that unforgettable late-night screening of Bridesmaids to Spy‘s raucous world premiere, his films capture exactly what makes our festival special – wildly entertaining projects that push boundaries. We’re beyond excited to reunite with Paul and kick off the festival with a film that had our entire team laughing, cheering, and immediately wanting to watch it again!”
The trailer for the film is linked below.
Future of SXSW
Next year’s SXSW will take place March 12 through 18. You can find out more at their website or on X, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
SXSW, long a part of the culture of Austin, Texas, has expanded into other parts of the world. The Asia Pacific region has enjoyed SXSW Sydney since 2023. Later this year, European movie, music, and tech creatives can experience SXSW London. The conference promises that each of these events will have its own special flavor.
