Paul Feig's
A Simple Favor serves as a highly effective argument for why plot twists need to be used in moderation. Prior to the final 30-35 minutes where it goes full goes full Shyamalan, this is a pretty great mystery thriller/dark comedy hybrid. Feig-who rose to prominence directing more traditional comedies such as
Bridesmaids and
Spy-seamlessly adapts to a genre that he didn't have any prior experience with, Jessica Sharzer's script deftly tackles dark subject matter without impeding on the breezy tone that drives this over-the-top disappearance story and both leads (Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively) turn in the most commanding, well-rounded performances of their careers to-date. Then the dreaded onslaught of reveals arrives in the last third of the film to take some of the air out of this stylish, compelling party. The out-of-left-field turns pile up so quickly that it almost becomes disorienting. I honestly had to spend a few minutes in my seat once the credits started rolling recounting exactly how it arrived at its underwhelming albeit tonally-consistent conclusion. I'd be a bullshit-spewing clown to say that this orgy of twists leading up to the finale were enough to completely kill my enjoyment of
A Simple Favor. However, I just can't help but think of how much better it could've been if it dialed them back just a bit.
Grade: B
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