A Simple Favor

A Simple Favor

Year: 2018

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Paul Feig

DramaMysteryThrillerComedyCrime

A charismatic publicist disappears, leaving behind a life that appears perfect but is filled with hidden truths. Her best friend, a widowed mommy blogger, reluctantly steps in to investigate. As she delves deeper into the socialite's world, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets, lies, and unexpected connections, forcing her to confront unsettling revelations about her friend and herself.

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A Simple Favor (2018) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

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In the end, it’s revealed that Emily, who appeared to be a glamorous and mysterious friend, is actually Hope McLanden, one of the twin sisters involved in a traumatic past. She and her sister Faith had killed their abusive father and run away from Michigan. Emily (Hope) was believed to be dead after drowning her sister Faith in the lake to prevent her from blackmailing her or revealing their secrets. The story unfolds to show Emily’s calculated attempts to cover her tracks, including faking her disappearance and even her apparent death. Meanwhile, Stephanie uncovers the truth by investigating clues like the old yearbook and the artist’s sketch, leading her to the McLanden family.

When Stephanie confronts Emily at Faith’s grave, Emily confesses to drowning her sister years ago, revealing that she is Hope. Emily explains that Faith had become a heroin addict and threatened to expose her, which led Emily to drown her in the lake to silence her. The revelation is chilling and tragic, highlighting how a seemingly glamorous woman was driven by a dark past and desperation.

After the flash of chaos and Emily’s attempt to blackmail Sean, the trio’s plans unravel. Emily tries to escape but gets hit by a car, ending her threat for good. Stephanie, having exposed Emily’s true identity and motives, ultimately refuses to apologize for her role in bringing Emily to justice. In the final scenes, Stephanie has grown considerably—she has become a popular true crime vlogger, bringing criminals to justice and inspiring her viewers, while Sean has published a novel based on their story, and Emily remains incarcerated but largely unrepentant. The ending underscores the dark complexity of the characters’ lives, with Emily’s dark past finally catching up with her and leaving her behind bars, while Stephanie has transformed into a powerful and influential figure in her own right.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Simple Favor

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