When you think “modern camp classic,” one movie ought to spring to mind: A Simple Favor, the 2018 thriller where Anna Kendrick played Stephanie, a meek mommy blogger caught up in a web of lies spun by her mysterious new friend Emily, played by Blake Lively in some of the most outlandish outfits ever put to the silver screen.
Needless to say, the movie was an instant hit with gays everywhere. That’s not even to mention the scary, sexy chemistry between Stephanie and Emily, never fully explored despite the duo sharing a kiss or two.
That’s why the new sequel, titled Another Simple Favor (because what else would it be called?), had very big bedazzled heels to fill. Could the plot get crazier? Could the outfits get more fabulous? And — critically — could the drama get gayer? Luckily, the answers are yes, yes, and yes.
Related
We wanted more from this adaptation.
A manipulative cult leader and her decades-younger apprentice with major sexual tension? We’ve never been more seated.
Entertainment with an edge
Whether you’re into indie comics, groundbreaking music, or queer cinema, we’re here to keep you in the loop.
Another Simple Favor dropped today on Prime Video, bringing with it a new helping of off-the-wall plot twists. Spoiler alert from here on out: if you don’t want to know exactly how things get gay, read no further.
Seriously.
Okay, now that it’s just us, let’s get into it. This time, Stephanie and Emily travel to Capri, Italy, for Emily’s wedding to the dashing mob boss Dante Versano, played by Italian hunk Michele Morrone. But in the movie’s final act, it’s revealed that he and Emily — *gasp* — were never actually in love. No, they were planning a lavender marriage so Dante could be with his actual true love: rival mobster Matteo, played by Lorenzo de Moor. (And yes, they do make out in a flashback.)
That’s not all, though. In the wake of The White Lotus’ controversial third season, Another Simple Favor cements the fact that, like it or not, gay incest is apparently having a moment. In the twistiest twist of all, Emily’s assumed-dead sister Charity returns for revenge, drugging Emily and keeping her captive so they can be together. That’s right: this movie contains more than one scene of dubiously consensual Blake Lively-on-Blake Lively action. Is that a good thing? Debatable. But it sure is compelling.
Oh, and you get to see Henry Golding from behind in the shower. Cut, print, Oscar.
Another Simple Favor is now streaming on Prime Video. Check out the trailer below.
Sign up for the INTO newsletter and get your twice-weekly dose of stories that shape the queer experience, culture, and lifestyle.
