The Favor

The Favor is a delightfully charming romantic comedy film, released in 1994, which stars an ensemble cast led by Harley Jane Kozak, Elizabeth McGovern, and Bill Pullman. Directed by Donald Petrie, famous for his flair for directing lighthearted, humorous, and romantic stories, this movie explores the concept of unrequited love, secrets, friendship, and unexpected twists of the heart. It’s painted with a perfect blend of humor, sizzling dialogue, and emotional depth, making for a fun, engaging, and thought-provoking viewing experience.

In the lead role, Harley Jane Kozak portrays Kathy, a happy, married woman with two children, living an idyllic life. Things start to stir when Kathy becomes curious about her high school sweetheart, Tom (played by Ken Wahl), whom she's never managed to completely forget even after all these years of married life. However, the intrigue isn't limited to past love, she also questions how her life might have turned out if they had ended up together.

Elizabeth McGovern plays Emily, Kathy's best friend since their high school days. Emily is single and, unlike her friend, leads a carefree life, making facets of her lifestyle a stark contrast to Kathy's cookie-cutter steady life. In an interesting twist, Kathy requests Emily to track down Tom, simply to see how well (or not) he's doing. However, Kathy doesn't reveal her motivations for this unusual request, hence, high jinks ensue. Emily becomes embroiled in a interaction with Tom, which turns out to be a bit more complex than she originally intended.

One of the most pivotal characters in the story is Peter, Kathy’s devoted and loving husband, portrayed by the talented Bill Pullman. Seemingly oblivious to his wife’s covert operation, Peter presents an endearing character who contributes significantly to the ongoing amusement while also offering a more grounded point of view through his role. Pullman embodies the character wonderfully, keeping the dynamics with his on-screen wife realistic and relatable.

The Favor manages to explore the “what if” question that often plagues many settled individuals when they think about their past love. The story takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride, filled with numerous comedic situations and dialogues, while also delving into more deep-seated emotional territories, unraveling the complexities of married life and friendship.

Furthermore, the on-screen chemistry between the main characters is commendable. The interaction between Kozak and McGovern paints a deep bond of friendship, laughter, and secrets they’ve shared over the years. Moreover, Pullman’s portrayal of a devoted husband adds a layer of realism and warmth to the plot. Ken Wahl is also impressive as Tom, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the allure of the “one that got away.”

Shot amid beautiful landscapes and picturesque settings, the movie also offers visually appealing scenes. Director Petrie skillfully combines these scenic backdrops with careful camera work and lighting, adding to the overall charm. The soundtrack is rich with 90’s pop and rock songs that effectively catalyze the storyline, resonating with the prevailing themes of romantic confusion and longing for the past.

On the whole, The Favor is an engaging film that insightfully portrays various dynamics of relationships - friendship, marriage, and past love. It beautifully juxtaposes the realities of a settled life with the fantasies of a 'what could have been' scenario. The performances by the lead actors, the script's wit, charm, and humor, along with the director's deft handling of the subject, make this movie a delightful treat for lovers of romantic comedy genre.

The Favor, at its core, prompts us to recognize and appreciate what we have. It's a tribute to longstanding friendships, married life, and the mystery of past love. This 1994 flick is a breezy, warm-hearted, and humorous take on life, love, and everything in between that will keep viewers engrossed until the end.