I saw ‘A Simple Favor’ as part of a double feature with ‘White Boy Rick’ on Saturday, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I blogged the trailer for this back in early June, and it confused the hell out of me in the best way. The movie ended up being a funny, well written blast, but what I really want to talk about is the absolute fashion clinic Blake Lively put on as Emily Nelson, a bad-ass PR rep for a fashion company.
Her sexual presence is absolutely dominant, making you feel both intrigued and scared of her at just about every turn. A big part of that is due to her wardrobe, which is positively dripping with swagger. Costume designer Renee Ehrlich Kalfus (Hidden Figures, Chocolat) designed these outfits that are so stunning, they leave your jaw on the floor every time Lively gets introduced in a new scene. She also explains most of the decisions in an interesting VF article.
The first look you have at her character is in this three-piece pinstripe suit complete with a timepiece, which is classy as all hell. Later, as you can see, she takes off the jacket to reveal it was a dickey the whole time! This was in the middle of a conversation with Anna Kendrick’s character, who became as flustered as me during the reveal.
Now a fancy opera-ish suit for a simple playdate in the park with their respective kids. Insanity! I’m no parent, but I can’t imagine wearing any clothing that didn’t have the word “elastic” is the description of it to the park with a young child.
She wore this pantsuit to a graveyard scene, complete with a skull-adored cane. Such a power move! Imagine trying to fuck with someone that owns a skull-head cane? 99% of the people that own one are probably fedora-wearing gamer dudes, but that 1% that isn’t is NOT to be fucked with.
Lastly, a old-school 50’s-style house dress. This was a reverse psychology move, and it plays out so well in the movie. I can’t talk much about this particular bit without spoiling, but it comes as part of an outstanding sequence in the movie.
I’m officially watching Ryan Reynolds every red carpet look to make sure he doesn’t make this god among mortals look bad ever. Anyway, ‘A Simple Favor’ is the best new release out, and is definitely worth the watch. Jeff and I have a review going up later today for both it and the Nic Cage thriller ‘Mandy’ later today.
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