Fans have been left horrified by a ‘disturbing’ incest scene in Blake Lively’s latest movie.
Despite quickly climbing the ranks on Amazon Prime Video after its May 1 release, the sequel to the 2018 comedy-thriller is stirring considerable controversy.
Although fans eagerly anticipated the return of Lively and Anna Kendrick as Emily Nelson and Stephanie Smothers, respectively, one particular storyline has sparked outrage and discomfort among viewers.
In this new installment, directed by Paul Feig, the characters travel to Capri for Emily’s lavish wedding celebration.
Yet what should have been a glamorous affair takes a dark turn, as a series of deaths and suspicions of foul play overshadow the nuptials.
While the film maintains its comedic roots, it also ventures into unsettling territory, notably with a plot point between Emily and her twin.
Lively portrays Emily and her sisters, Faith and Charity, who are triplets with complicated dynamics.
In one particular scene, one of Lively’s characters makes advances on her twin.
A deeply disturbed viewer says in response to the scene: “The assault scene with the sister sat very wrong with me… “
Another added: “Playing off incest/r***/m*****ation as a joke is certainly a choice.”
“It was quite messed up, and they just immediately joked it off,” somebody else commented.
Other fan comments included: “My jaw was on the floor,” “Was genuinely so disgusted,” and “So unnecessary.”
In the controversial scene, Emily is kidnapped and drugged by her long-lost triplet sister, Charity (also played by Lively), on her wedding day, rendering her paralyzed and unable to move.
Charity, revealing a disturbing fixation on Emily, cuddles up to her, makes suggestive comments about them being ‘one,’ and implies that pleasuring Emily brings her pleasure.
She then appears to slide her hand down Emily’s underwear and climbs on top of her to kiss her, all while Emily watches in horror, unable to resist.
Although the scene cuts away before anything further is shown, the non-consensual and incestuous implications are clear.
While intended as a dark comedy, many argued that the subject matter was far too disturbing to be treated lightly.
Lively hinted at the controversial direction while at the film’s SXSW premiere earlier this year.
Speaking with Entertainment weekly, she recalled how director Paul Feig surprised her with a ‘curveball’ plot twist.
“It definitely upped the ante,” she said. “It was very uncomfortable to watch in this theater with you guys.”
The film reunites a cast including Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Allison Janney, and Elizabeth Perkins.
Although Another Simple Favor delivers on suspense and star power, many viewers believe the attempt to shock went too far this time.
