NO HARD FEELINGS
Introducing No Hard Feelings (2023): A *** Rom-Com Revival with Heart
Introduction
No Hard Feelings (2023), directed by Gene Stupnitsky and co-written by Stupnitsky and John Phillips, is a bold and irreverent R-rated comedy that marks a return to the ***-filled, heartfelt romantic comedies of the 2000s. Released on June 23, 2023, by Sony Pictures Releasing, the film stars Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie Barker, a down-on-her-luck Uber driver who accepts an unusual job to “date” a shy 19-year-old, Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman), in exchange for a car.
With a supporting cast including Matthew Broderick, Laura Benanti, Natalie Morales, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the film blends outrageous humor, physical comedy, and surprising emotional depth. Inspired by a real Craigslist ad, No Hard Feelings grossed over $87 million worldwide against a $45 million budget and earned Lawrence a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. Despite its controversial premise, the film has been praised for its leads’ chemistry and nostalgic nod to *** comedies of yesteryear.
This article provides a comprehensive exploration of No Hard Feelings, delving into its plot, cinematic context, production details, themes, reception, and significance in today’s comedy landscape.
Plot Summary
Set in the picturesque but gentrified beach town of Montauk, New York, the story follows Maddie Barker (Jennifer Lawrence), a 32-year-old Uber driver and bartender struggling to save her late mother’s home. After her car is repossessed due to unpaid property taxes, Maddie faces financial ruin. She answers a peculiar Craigslist ad posted by wealthy parents Laird and Allison Becker, who offer a Buick Regal to a woman willing to “date” their socially awkward son, Percy, before he heads to Princeton.
Maddie, brash and cynical, takes on the challenge. Her attempts to seduce Percy lead to a series of chaotic and *** comedic moments. Percy, however, proves difficult to win over due to his shy, principled demeanor—possibly coded as neurodivergent or ***.
From failed bar outings to a now-famous skinny-dipping scene where Maddie fends off bullies while ***—the film thrives on awkward physical comedy. Over time, their relationship shifts from transactional to emotional, culminating in a heartfelt ending where both characters grow, mature, and find mutual respect.
Historical and Cinematic Context
The story was inspired by a real Craigslist ad that caught the attention of the filmmakers. Its premise recalls the *** comedies of the early 2000s—American Pie, Superbad, and Risky Business. Like those films, No Hard Feelings mixes *** humor with genuine emotional arcs.
The film was released during a time when *** comedies are rare in cinemas, often pushed to streaming platforms. Jennifer Lawrence’s return to this genre was a notable shift from her recent prestige projects. Critics have compared her comedic delivery to Anna Faris and Emma Stone, while noting the film’s commentary on sex, maturity, and post-#MeToo social expectations.
Production and Direction
Directed by Gene Stupnitsky (Good Boys, The Office), the film was shot in Nassau County, New York, during late 2022. Jennifer Lawrence also served as producer via her company Excellent Cadaver.
Lawrence gives a physically demanding and fearless performance—especially in the viral beach scene where she fights ***. Andrew Barth Feldman, making his film debut after starring in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway, plays Percy with a balance of innocence and intelligence. The supporting cast provides comic relief and emotional grounding throughout.
Marketing leaned into the film’s premise, with billboard ads reading “Need a Car? ‘Date’ Our Son,” and a red-band trailer featuring Nicki Minaj’s “Super Freaky Girl” added to the buzz.
Themes and Style
Despite its *** surface, No Hard Feelings is a double coming-of-age story. It explores financial desperation, overprotective parenting, and the anxieties of growing up in a changing world. Maddie faces adulthood at 32, while Percy is stepping into independence at 19.
The movie critiques helicopter parenting and transactional relationships, and the disparity between Maddie’s working-class life and Percy’s privileged upbringing adds depth. The film is packed with *** jokes, slapstick, and gags, but also includes sincere, emotional scenes.
Lawrence’s fearless comedic timing—especially in ***, physical scenes—anchors the movie, while Feldman’s grounded performance ensures the comedy never becomes too cartoonish.
Reception and Controversy
The film earned generally positive reviews, scoring 59 on Metacritic and receiving a “B+” from CinemaScore. Critics praised Lawrence and Feldman’s chemistry, and many called the movie a fresh, bold return to *** rom-com territory.
However, controversy surrounded its premise. Some critics labeled the story “indecent,” while others argued that because both characters are legal adults and the story emphasizes emotional growth, the relationship is handled with enough nuance to justify the premise.
The beach fight scene—where Lawrence appears ***—was both praised for bravery and criticized for its *** appeal. On social media, reactions were split: some found the film hilarious and heartfelt; others said it lacked consistency in tone.
Legacy and Availability
No Hard Feelings has become one of the few successful R-rated *** comedies in recent memory. It reaffirms Jennifer Lawrence’s versatility and hints at a potential resurgence in *** rom-coms with genuine emotional cores.
The film is available for streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ (in bundles), and for purchase on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and more. Blu-ray and DVD were released in August 2023.
Conclusion
No Hard Feelings is a daring comedy that blends *** humor with heartfelt storytelling. With standout performances and a controversial yet thought-provoking premise, it reignites interest in *** comedies and proves that adult-oriented humor still has a place in today’s cinema
