Sitting at the seventh spot in the global top ten list and third in the US one, No Hard Feelings, starring Jennifer Lawrence, is the latest cringe comedy film everyone seems to be loving on Netflix.
The 2023 American sex comedy film is quite an unconventional story with a touch of raunchiness and a heap of comedy that has stirred up a lot of concerns despite a 71% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Directed by Gene Stupnitsky, known for his work on Good Boys, and co-written with John Phillips, No Hard Feelings introduces viewers to Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie, an energetic, free-spirited, and slightly juvenile woman who is hired by a wealthy couple to engage in an unusual task: romance their socially awkward son, Percy, portrayed by Andrew Barth Feldman. The film delves into the awkward dynamics of this peculiar arrangement. Joining Lawrence and Feldman are Laura Benanti, Natalie Morales, and Matthew Broderick.
The plot centres on Maddie’s efforts to bring Percy out of his shell and help him find love. What follows is a rollercoaster of cringeworthily awkward encounters amid moments of genuine connection, all tied together.
The controversy surrounding No Hard Feelings
No Hard Feelings received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Controversy surrounded the film prior to its release, with some expressing concerns that it promoted sexual grooming. However, the film’s defenders argued that it intentionally tackled an “icky” premise, emphasising the characters’ flaws and discomfort from their actions.
Andrew Barth Feldman, who plays Percy, underlined that the film does not condone the characters’ problematic actions, telling The Independent, “The film never condones the things that Jennifer’s character does or that my character’s parents do. This is a movie about flawed people, and it’s a cringe comedy. You’re meant to cringe! You’re meant to sit with those uncomfortable feelings.”
No Hard Feelings is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it has managed to tap into its audience on Netflix.
You can check out the trailer of No Hard Feelings here:
