Sometimes, the most unexpected relationships make for the most entertaining stories. No Hard Feelings, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman, is a coming-of-age comedy set in the laid-back summer atmosphere of Montauk, New York. Directed by Gene Stupnitsky, this R-rated film blends humor, heart, and a bit of raunchy charm, making it a refreshing entry in the romantic-comedy genre.
The story centers around Maddie (Jennifer), a 32-year-old Uber driver facing financial difficulties and on the brink of losing her childhood home. Desperate for a quick solution, she responds to a Craigslist ad placed by wealthy helicopter parents who are concerned about their introverted and socially awkward 19-year-old son, Percy (Andrew). Their request? For Maddie to “date” Percy and bring him out of his shell before he heads off to Princeton. What starts as a purely transactional arrangement soon blossoms into an unexpected friendship, with both characters learning valuable life lessons along the way. The plot takes various comedic turns, but its heart lies in the evolving bond between Maddie and Percy.
One of the film’s strongest elements is Jennifer’s performance as Maddie. Known for her versatility in both drama and comedy, she shines here with her comedic timing and physical humor. From slapstick situations to more nuanced emotional moments, Jennifer brings a grounded warmth to her otherwise outrageous character. Her chemistry with Andrew, who plays the painfully shy Percy, is another highlight. Andrew delivers a sensitive and heartfelt performance, balancing his character’s innocence and intellect with moments of awkward charm. His portrayal of Percy feels authentic, especially as he gradually grows more confident under Maddie’s unlikely mentorship. Their dynamic feels both hilarious and heartwarming, making their relationship the emotional core of the film.
Stupnitsky’s direction maintains a breezy and light tone throughout the film, but he also manages to weave in moments of genuine emotion. His comedic sensibilities, honed from his work on Good Boys and The Office, are evident in the film’s clever dialogue and awkward yet hilarious situations. The film’s pacing is mostly smooth, although some jokes lean into the absurd for the sake of shock value, which may not land with all audiences. However, the movie never loses its sense of fun, largely due to Stupnitsky’s ability to balance raunchy comedy with heartfelt moments.
Cinematography by Eigil Bryld gives No Hard Feelings a sun-kissed, nostalgic feel. The Montauk setting is beautifully captured, with beachside views and small-town charm enhancing the laid-back vibe of the story. The visual aesthetic plays well with the film’s summer setting, and the cinematography does a good job of reflecting the personal growth of the characters. Scenes between Maddie and Percy often use natural lighting and open spaces, symbolizing the gradual opening up of Percy’s character and the freedom that Maddie ultimately seeks. The film’s visuals aren’t overly stylized, but they serve the story well, keeping the focus on the characters and their interactions.
The soundtrack adds to the film’s energy, with a mix of upbeat, contemporary pop and indie rock tunes that match the film’s youthful, carefree vibe. There are a few notable needle drops that punctuate key moments, adding to the humor or emotional weight of a scene. The music helps to underscore the generational gap between Maddie and Percy, often highlighting the comedic tension in their differences. It’s not a particularly groundbreaking score, but it’s effective in creating the right mood for a light-hearted summer comedy.
Thematically, No Hard Feelings explores issues of loneliness, identity, and the pressure to conform to societal expectations. Maddie’s character embodies the struggles of adulthood—dealing with financial instability and past traumas—while Percy represents the insecurities and uncertainties of young adulthood. Their relationship, though built on a bizarre premise, becomes a metaphor for the way people, regardless of age, can help each other grow in unexpected ways. The film doesn’t dive too deeply into these themes, but it touches on them enough to give the story emotional depth amid the laughter.
One area where the film could have been stronger is in its supporting characters. While Jennifer and Andrew carry the film with ease, some of the secondary characters feel one-dimensional. The parents, played by Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti, are comically overprotective but lack real development beyond their helicopter tendencies. A few subplots, such as Maddie’s relationship with her estranged friends, are touched upon but not fully explored, leaving parts of her character arc feeling slightly underdeveloped.
Overall, No Hard Feelings is an enjoyable and breezy comedy that offers both laughs and heart. Jennifer delivers a standout performance, and Andrew’s portrayal of Percy is endearing. The direction, music, and cinematography work well to create a light-hearted yet emotionally resonant film. While it may not be the most original story, it makes up for it with charm, humor, and a heartfelt message about friendship, growth, and letting go. It’s the kind of feel-good film that is perfect for a summer watch, particularly for fans of offbeat romantic comedies. If you’re in the mood for something that balances raunchy humor with genuine emotion, this is one to add to your list.
