No Hard Feelings (2024) movie review

For any one who thinks mainstream Hollywood strictly remakes old classics and is afraid to venture into anything original, No Hard Feelings is the answer. Part romantic-comedy and part coming-of-age movie, it’s unfair to plug the movie into a specific genre given its uniqueness. Star Jennifer Lawrence not only plays Maddie, the lead but is also one of the producers of the movie. Lawrence spearheads the movie with her effervescent charm, wit and skill to create an R-rated comedy that’s relatable and lovable.

Born and raised in Montauk, New York, a fishing town where the wealthy spend their summers, Maddie works as an Uber driver and waiter. She owns the house that belonged to her mother in a prime location of the town but she struggles to pay the property tax on it. Adding insult to injury, her car is repossessed by her ex-boyfriend Gary (Ebon Moss-Bachrach, in a refreshingly sensitive role). Gary is upset with Maddie since she bailed on him as she does with all her romantic relationships.

Finding herself in a pinch, Maddie responds to an ad on Craigslist by a couple willing to give their old car away in exchange for a woman dating their 19-year-old son. Allison and Laird, played by Laura Benanti and Matthew Broderick (both are hilarious) respectively, explain that their son is going through an awkward phase and will benefit from a boost to his confidence before he is off to Princeton University soon.

Thinking this would be an easy endeavour, Maddie soon finds out that getting young Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) in bed is difficult. Percy being ‘in his shell’, as his parents put it, is an understatement. He is nervous and afraid of everything. He is also a romanticist and believes he cannot sleep with someone he doesn’t know or like. Maddie’s aggressive tactics keep failing in the most comedic fashion, forcing her to form a bond with the guy.

Director Gene Stupnitsky, who also co-wrote the film with John Phillips has written a funny, well-crafted three-act screenplay. They’ve flipped the genre, as usually we see the guy in movies looking to get laid with no strings attached. The setup itself generates laughter but the dialogue elevates the comedy further. In a soon-to-be iconic moment when Maddie suggests they go skinny dipping and their clothes get stolen, Lawrence emerges from the water like an angry mermaid fighting the thieves three to one. Like many great comedies, the movie also has a smashing musical number.

The third act is longer than most, and the tone gets serious. The movie shows the value of genuine human connections even if they are found under non-traditional circumstances. It makes sense and the end is near perfect, but one misses the laughs from the previous parts of the movie.

Andrew Barth Feldman plays Percy wonderfully straight and true to the character, enhancing Lawrence’s performance. Not that Lawrence needs much help as she is a firecracker in this movie. Sexy and witty, but also sweet and kind, Lawrence owns this R-rated comedy as Maddie. No Hard Feelings is a valued addition to the romantic-comedy genre and must be watched by everyone who enjoys it or Lawrence.