A Simple Favor Parents Guide

A Simple Favor is a stylish mystery-thriller film directed by Paul Feig, starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. Combining suspense, dark humor, and glamour, it tells a story full of secrets and unexpected twists. While it’s entertaining for adults, parents may wonder if it’s suitable for teens. This guide breaks down everything parents should know before watching the film with their children.

Movie Summary (Spoiler-Free)

The story centers around Stephanie, a cheerful and somewhat naive single mom who runs a parenting vlog. Her life changes when she befriends Emily, a confident and mysterious woman with a high-powered job and a lavish lifestyle. Their friendship takes a dark turn when Emily suddenly disappears. Stephanie takes it upon herself to uncover the truth — and what she finds is far more shocking than she ever imagined.

The movie explores themes of deception, identity, and friendship while keeping viewers on edge with its clever mix of humor and suspense.

Official Age Rating

A Simple Favor is rated R (Restricted) by the Motion Picture Association of America. This means it contains content that may not be appropriate for viewers under 17 without parental supervision. The rating is primarily due to strong language, sexual content, partial nudity, drug use, and moments of violence.

Parent’s Content Breakdown

Violence and Suspense:

The film includes several intense scenes involving murder, blood, and threats. While it doesn’t rely on graphic violence, the suspenseful atmosphere and dark tone could be disturbing for younger audiences.

Sexual Content and Nudity:

There are multiple scenes and references of a sexual nature, including partial nudity and discussions of affairs. The sensual tone makes the movie unsuitable for children and younger teens.

Language and Profanity:

Strong profanity is used frequently throughout the film, including the F-word and other explicit terms. Parents should be aware that the dialogue contains mature and adult humor.

Substance and Alcohol Use:

Characters are often seen drinking alcohol, smoking, and, at times, using drugs. These moments are not glorified but are presented as part of the adult world the characters live in.

Mature Themes and Messages:

The movie dives deep into themes like manipulation, betrayal, and moral choices. It also shows how appearances can be deceiving, teaching that even those who seem perfect may have dark secrets.

Positive Messages and Role Models

Although A Simple Favor focuses on dark and mature themes, it does carry a few subtle messages. It highlights the complexity of human relationships and the importance of being cautious about who you trust. Stephanie’s determination and resourcefulness can be seen as a positive trait, even if her methods are questionable at times.

Overall Viewing Experience

The film offers a refreshing mix of mystery, comedy, and drama. Its stylish cinematography, witty dialogue, and strong performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively make it engaging for adult audiences. However, due to its mature content and suggestive scenes, it’s not suitable for children or younger teens. Older teens and adults who enjoy twist-filled thrillers will likely appreciate the movie’s clever storytelling.

Parents’ Verdict

A Simple Favor is a sleek, entertaining film that blends humor and mystery with a touch of glamour. However, parents should know it includes adult content not appropriate for younger viewers. It’s best suited for mature teens (17+) and adults who enjoy sophisticated thrillers with dark humor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a parent looking for a lighthearted mystery to watch with your family, this movie may not be the best choice. But for adult viewers who appreciate stylish storytelling, unexpected twists, and strong female leads, A Simple Favor is an enjoyable and well-crafted watch. It’s best enjoyed by mature audiences who can appreciate its mix of wit, suspense, and emotional complexity.