A Crude Comedy With Heart
No Hard Feelings championed the return of the R-rated comedy to theaters in 2023. Directed by Gene Stupnitsky and written by Stupnitsky and John Phillips, the film was a classic return to form for comedy blockbusters. Surprisingly, however, there is heart to No Hard Feelings that is hidden behind its humor.
An Irreverent Coming of Age Comedy
The plot involves the older Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) helping the nineteen-year-old introverted Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) come out of his shell. The twist is that Percy’s overprotective parents paid her to help him become a “man” before he leaves for college. As classic R-rated comedies go, the plot isn’t anything audiences haven’t seen before. There are countless times when the “hot” character is paid to help the “nerd.” The film is filled to the brim with tropes and the usual sex and dark humor of R-rated comedies, but No Hard Feelings plays its cards differently. It is a strange blend of rom-com, adult comedy, and drama that crafts a story that is both compelling and comical. However, it is clear that the director put the narrative first and the comedy second. The film is genuinely funny, but it’s quiet and unusually melancholic compared to its peers. Touching on themes of growing up and finding oneself in a way that is unexpected, but not unwelcome.
Where most comedies are just there for a quick laugh, there is a shocking amount of character growth and emotional depth to both the characters of Maddie and Percy. The backbone of the movie is built upon the leads, Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman, who knock it out of the park. Jennifer Lawrence is incredible as Maddie, showcasing her talent in a role and genre that isn’t her typical fare. She expertly plays on physical comedy and easily switches between compassionate and heartfelt to hilarious and vulgar. Opposite to her is Andrew Barth Feldman, in his first leading role in a film, who plays the typical nerd perfectly. The skincrawlingly awkward humor, combined with his convincing performance, makes the second-hand embarrassment almost painful to endure. It doesn’t feel like the laughs are at the characters’ expense, though. It feels like the viewer is laughing with these characters as they reminisce on the story with the audience. It is a different type of comedy that is played so down-to-earth that it is easy to empathize and relate to.
Beauty in the Mundane
Director Stupnitsky and cinematographer Eigil Bryld were able to create a comedy, a genre not known for its technicality, that has killer visuals and cinematography. The film is shot in a way that is realistic; there aren’t many extravagant setpieces or gags, and each scene is beautiful in its simplicity. Especially the scenes that were shot on the beach. They evoke a familiarity with the sound of waves crashing, fire crackling, and wind blowing through the characters’ hair. The film is weirdly cozy and realistic, especially in comparison to the over-the-top nature of its comedy. This carries into almost every scene present throughout its runtime. Laser tag lighting up the arcade, the sun setting on the pier, or dogs barking in the animal shelter; it feels like flipping through an old photo album. Even as just a background for the characters and the comedy, the setting is nostalgic and familiar.
The film’s biggest strength lies in its score. Much like its visuals, the film’s sound is also quiet and understated. There isn’t much music or noise that takes the viewer out of the scene, except in pivotal moments. An example is when, early in the film, Maddie appears in the frame and a Jaws-like sting plays to punctuate her arrival. These little moments make No Hard Feelings special; the quiet realism is broken expertly when needed for both comedy and emotion. The soundtrack mixes an original score by composers Mychael Danna and Jessica Rose Weiss with classic rock hits. The original music is impeccable, but the best by far is Andrew Barth Feldman’s performance of “Maneater” by Daryl Hall and John Oates. Not only is Feldman’s performance incredible, but it also fits right into the film and drives the narrative forward. The music accentuates the story without detracting from the scene. Again, this adds a melancholic and realistic atmosphere to the film that isn’t normally present in a comedy. However, the crew behind No Hard Feelings was able to somehow make a film that is comedic without sacrificing any other aspect behind it.
Fears, Feelings, and Friends
No Hard Feelings is a genre-bending comedy that can spark just as many tears as it does laughs. It is a heartbreaking, hilarious, and honest look at growing up and being true to oneself that sets it apart from other comedy films. It might not change lives, but for a comedy, it is an enjoyably chaotic journey that is easy to remember fondly once it concludes.
Stream No Hard Feelings on Hulu or Disney+ Today!
No Hard Feelings (2023) Official Sony Pictures Entertainment Trailer
Source: Dead Talk Live
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Author
Elke Simmons' writing portfolio includes contributions to The Laredo Morning Times, Walt Disney World Eyes and Ears, Extinction Rebellion (XR) News/Blog, and Dead Talk News.