Coming of Age films are always popular with general audiences because they are relatable, funny, and can sometimes be special, especially when they take chances. After a bidding war with Netflix, Apple TV, and Universal Pictures, the package deal of Jennifer Lawrence and Director Gene Stupnitsky went to Sony Pictures. Seeing what other movies Sony typically makes (mostly IP that involves Spiderman and his rouge’s gallery) it was a nice change of pace for them to make a Coming of Age/Sex Comedy that wouldn’t cost too much to produce. The big draw for this film is the powerhouse that is Jennifer Lawrence. After her break from acting and becoming a mother (and starting a production company) she came back two years ago and I believe started to do more unique and compelling work that she would be excited to do and not just be stuck in different franchises again (which affected her effort).
In No Hard Feelings, Jennifer Lawrence plays Maddie Parker, a Long Islander who is stuck in life at 32 years old, facing foreclosure on her mother’s home, and is just looking for a good time in life (usually at the bar). Left with no other options she responds to a Craigslist ad (in 2023) to “date” 19-year-old Percy (Andrew Barth Freedman) who isn’t your average teenager going to Princeton. The story writes itself in many ways but much of the movie’s charm and drama stir from the undermining issues and insecurities that both characters are dealing with who are at different stages of their lives.
The chemistry is natural in the opposite way between the two of them but it makes the humor work well at the most entertaining parts of the movie that felt like legit funny moments. The supporting cast also brings in a lot of laughs and heartfelt moments, especially Natalie Morales and Scott Macarthur as Maddie’s best friends, and this movie also has the return of Matthew Broderick as Percy’s father who is part of the reason why Percy is the way he is in some ways.
I was taken aback by the type of direction and level of intimacy presented in many of the crucial scenes in the film, especially towards the third act. Overall, this is certainly worth checking out especially if you’ve already seen most of the big franchise films in theaters right now (with bigger movies coming out soon). It says more than what is presented and it’s spearheaded by an incredible Jennifer Lawrence performance.
