Is A Simple Favor based on a true story? Plot and Ending Explained

A Simple Favor (2018)

The 2018 criminal thriller “A Simple Favour,” also known as “A Simple Favour” in the UK and Ireland, was directed by Paul Feig. With a screenplay by Jessica Sharzer, it is based on Darcey Bell’s 2017 book of the same name. A small-town YouTuber tries to figure out what happened to her smart and intriguing buddy in the movie, which also stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Linda Cardellini, Rupert Buddy, and Jean Smart. The film, which Lionsgate released on September 14, 2018, won praise for its plot twists and performances, especially those of Kendrick, Lively, and Golding. 

Is A Simple Favor based on a true story? 

No, “A Simple Favor” is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction created by Darcey Bell, who wrote the novel of the same name upon which the 2018 film adaptation was based. The story follows a mysterious disappearance of a woman and the subsequent investigation by her friend, resulting in twists and turns that are purely a product of the author’s imagination. While the story may feel realistic and plausible, it is not grounded in any real-life events or characters.

In both the movie and the novel versions of “A Simple Favour,” a body that resembles Emily’s is discovered in a lake along with her recognizable tattoo and Sean’s mother’s old engagement ring. The key twist from the book, that Emily has a twin and the body belongs to her sister, is still present in the film, but there are two significant changes in how the body is found and revealed. The central theme of the narrative is still present:

Emily and her twin, Hope and Faith in the movie, flee their abusive father’s house together. In the book, however, Emily does not actively contribute to her sister Evelyn’s passing; rather, she stands by and lets Evelyn take her own life. The movie depicts Emily deliberately putting the ring on her sister’s finger while actively drowning Faith in the water.

In addition, the film offers an unfamiliar and perplexing element about a third sister named Chastity who passed away early; nevertheless, this fact has little bearing on the plot and is swiftly forgotten. In conclusion, while the basic premise of “A Simple Favour” remains the same in both the film and the book, there are differences in the specifics of how the body was discovered, what the twin sisters did, and how a third sister was introduced.

A Simple Favor plot

The plot of “A Simple Favor” revolves around Stephanie Smothers (played by Anna Kendrick), a single mom and avid vlogger who befriends the mysterious and glamorous Emily Nelson (played by Blake Lively). Emily is a successful PR executive with a dark past, and the two women form an unlikely bond. One day, Emily asks Stephanie for a simple favor – to pick up her son from school. However, Emily disappears without a trace, leaving Stephanie and her husband Sean (played by Henry Golding) desperate to find her.

Stephanie launches her own investigation into Emily’s disappearance, delving into her friend’s secretive life and uncovering unexpected revelations. As Stephanie gets deeper into the mystery, she discovers that Emily has a history of deception and manipulation and that nothing is what it seems. She becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and twists, and realizes that she may be in over her head.

As the search for Emily intensifies, Stephanie becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the truth, risking her own safety and sanity in the process. Along the way, she forms alliances with other key characters, such as Emily’s husband Sean and her boss Diana (played by Linda Cardellini), but also faces obstacles and betrayal from unexpected sources.

A Simple Favor ending explained

The ending of “A Simple Favor” reveals the truth behind Emily Nelson’s disappearance and the dark secrets that have been hidden throughout the film. After a series of twists and turns, Stephanie discovers that Emily is not who she appears to be and has been leading a double life. It is revealed that Emily has a twin sister named Hope (played by Linda Cardellini) who died in a car crash, and Emily had been impersonating her in order to escape her troubled past.

Emily had orchestrated her own disappearance and faked her death, leaving clues that would lead the authorities and her husband, Sean, to believe that her body had been found in a lake. Stephanie confronts Emily, who explains that she had faked her death in order to start a new life with a new identity, leaving her abusive past behind.

Emily reveals that she had orchestrated the events leading up to her disappearance and manipulated those around her, including Stephanie and Sean, to protect her secret. In a shocking turn of events, Emily confesses to killing her twin sister Hope, revealing that she had drowned her in the lake and staged it to look like suicide.

Emily had also been responsible for the deaths of other characters in the film, including her own husband and a private investigator, to cover her tracks. In the final moments of the film, Emily is arrested and taken into custody. Stephanie, Sean, and Sean’s son are left to come to terms with the truth about Emily and the devastating consequences of her actions. The film ends with a sense of resolution but also leaves some unanswered questions about the true motivations and complexities of Emily’s character.

A Simple Favor movie review

The performances in “A Simple Favor” are a highlight of the film, with Kendrick and Lively delivering strong and compelling portrayals of their characters. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and they effectively convey the tension and complexity of their relationship. Feig’s direction is skillful, blending elements of mystery, thriller, and dark comedy to create a unique and engaging viewing experience.

The film’s pacing is well-done, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the story from start to finish. However, some viewers may find the film’s plot to be convoluted and confusing at times, with multiple twists and turns that may require close attention to fully grasp. The tone of the film can also be uneven, as it balances between comedy and thriller elements.

In conclusion, “A Simple Favor” is a compelling and suspenseful crime thriller that delivers on its promise of a captivating story with unexpected twists. It features strong performances from its cast, particularly Kendrick and Lively, and is well-directed by Feig. While some may find the plot confusing or the tone uneven, the film offers a thrilling viewing experience for those who enjoy mystery and suspense.

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