Director: Gene Stupnitsky
Writers: Gene Stupnitsky and John Phillips
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Benanti
Synopsis: On the brink of losing her home, Maddie finds an intriguing job listing: helicopter parents looking for someone to bring their introverted 19-year-old son out of his shell before college. She has one summer to make him a man or die trying.
At first glance, rom-coms appear to have a lack of depth, and can either be a huge hit or miss. Often, they succumb to clichés and contrived drama, easily avoidable conflicts. However, occasionally, they manage to transcend these shortcomings and offer something truly unique and profound. Typically, their plots are straightforward, their tone light-hearted, and they make for enjoyable and effortless viewing. The new raunchy rom-com, No Hard Feelings, starring Jennifer Lawrence, falls into the category of an easy and mindless first watch. While the initial jokes are amusing, the film gradually loses its charm when subjected to deeper contemplation. The overall tone lacks consistency, the characters and conflicts feel forced and artificial, and the general plot veers uncomfortably close to being predatory.
Maddie (Lawrence) works as an Uber driver and a bartender, struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living skyrockets due to her hometown’s newfound status as a summer vacation spot for the ultra-wealthy. Desperate for a car after hers is repossessed, she decides to respond to a Craigslist ad from two helicopter parents who are seeking someone to help their son come out of his shell. The premise seems unnecessarily convoluted, and it’s never made clear why exactly she can’t make ends meet. The film attempts to address themes like gentrification and wealth, but it fails to provide substantial commentary on these topics. Instead, it relies on contrived and overly complicated plot developments solely for the sake of advancing the storyline, a pattern that persists throughout the film.
Following their initial encounter, Maddie and Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) couldn’t be more different from each other. Maddie embraces her true self without apologies but is surprisingly afraid of commitment, even refusing to leave her hometown due to fear. Percy, on the other hand, is painfully awkward, barely venturing outside his room after a traumatic bullying incident in high school. He becomes deeply attached to anyone he connects with, including Maddie. These character types may seem familiar, and if you’ve read the plot synopsis, you can probably anticipate where the film is heading as you become acquainted with the characters and their situation. While the comedy provides solid support, the predictability of numerous plot points diminishes its uniqueness over time.
The film heavily relies on the initial contrast between its two main characters to generate upfront comedy. With Maddie, an experienced and assertive individual, attempting to seduce the shy and socially awkward Percy, there are plenty of humorous moments as they interact and get to know each other. However, this dynamic often goes a step too far, with Maddie becoming overly aggressive in her pursuit of Percy. While he may find her attractive, it’s clear that he is uncomfortable with her advances. This undermines the film’s purpose of helping Percy integrate into society, as Maddie seems oblivious to the social cues he is giving. It gives the impression that only through sex can one feel comfortable and confident enough to make friends and expand their social circle.
Additionally, the decision to create a 13-year age difference between the characters further compounds the issue. Jennifer Lawrence, known for portraying characters older than her actual age (such as playing a 35-year-old single mom in Joy at the age of 25), does not appear “old” at her current age of 32. The ad that Maddie responds to specifically requests someone in their early to mid-20s, and she answers it at the age of 32. It’s puzzling why the film couldn’t have asked for someone in their early 20s and made Lawrence’s character closer to her mid-20s. This adjustment would significantly reduce the predatory undertones of the age gap and enhance the humor of the “old” jokes throughout the film, knowing that her character is actually quite young.
The true saving grace of this film, despite its numerous flaws, lies in the undeniable chemistry between Lawrence and Feldman. Their dedication to comedy shines through, keeping the movie afloat. As they develop a deeper connection throughout the story, it becomes genuinely heartwarming to witness. Despite the predictable nature of their individual character arcs, it remains captivating to explore the reasons behind their current personas and see how they mutually facilitate personal growth. It is truly rewarding to witness the positive impact they have on each other’s lives.
No Hard Feelings is a perfect option for a mindless and enjoyable date night or a feel-good movie experience. Whether you choose to see it in the theater or wait for its release on streaming platforms, it can be just as effective as a cozy home viewing with snacks and a blanket, offering an easy escape from reality. However, beyond the strong performances by Lawrence and Feldman, the film falls short and might leave audiences slightly disappointed when it comes to any further depth or thought-provoking elements.
