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| Image: Google |
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Benanti, Matthew Broderick, Natalie Morales
Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes
Sometimes, you’re not in the mood for anything heavy, dramatic, or emotionally demanding. You just want a film that feels easy, breezy, and mildly engaging—something that doesn’t require deep concentration after a long, exhausting day. That was exactly the headspace I was in when I decided to watch No Hard Feelings. I wasn’t searching endlessly for options or chasing hype; I simply wanted a non-Nollywood title that promised light entertainment without unnecessary stress.
This film turned out to be a surprisingly balanced mix of comedy, awkward situations, and subtle emotional depth.
Storyline / Plot
At the center of the story is Maddie, a financially struggling woman on the verge of losing everything she owns. Overwhelmed by unpaid property taxes, she faces eviction as a government official named Gary begins confiscating her belongings. To make matters worse, her car—her lifeline as an Uber driver—is towed, leaving her with no reliable source of income.
While Maddie works as a bartender, the job alone isn’t enough to keep her afloat. With desperation setting in, she stumbles upon an unusual and morally questionable proposition: wealthy parents are seeking a woman to “date” their introverted teenage son, Percy.
The goal is not romance in the traditional sense, but exposure. Percy is socially withdrawn, painfully shy, and lacks confidence. His parents believe that helping him gain social and romantic experience before heading to college will prepare him for the real world. In exchange for completing the arrangement, Maddie is offered a car—an incentive that could help her clear her debts and reclaim stability.
Understandably, the parents’ decision raises eyebrows. As a viewer, it’s difficult not to question their judgment or the ethics behind the arrangement. Still, curiosity pushes the story forward.
As the film unfolds, the reason behind Percy’s introversion becomes clearer. Nearly halfway through the movie, the audience learns that damaging rumors and false assumptions have played a significant role in shaping his isolation. The narrative subtly explores how misinformation and social labeling can stunt personal growth, especially in young people.
One of the film’s strongest moments is watching Maddie help Percy uncover strengths he never believed he had, allowing him to slowly step out of the shadows he’s been living in.
Character Performance
Jennifer Lawrence delivers a refreshingly grounded performance as Maddie. Despite the noticeable age difference between her character and Percy, she never dominates the dynamic. Instead, she allows Percy’s emotional journey to take the lead, creating a surprisingly balanced and respectful interaction.
Maddie’s fear of emotional attachment adds depth to her character. Beneath her tough exterior is someone equally lost and guarded, making her struggle feel real rather than exaggerated.
Andrew Barth Feldman brings sincerity to Percy, capturing the vulnerability, awkwardness, and quiet intelligence of a young man shaped by fear rather than inability. Their on-screen chemistry works not because it’s romantic, but because it’s human.
Overall Impression
No Hard Feelings doesn’t pretend to be groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a light, engaging film that avoids unnecessary filler, maintains a steady pace, and offers just enough emotional substance to stay memorable.
If you’re looking for a relaxed watch with humor, heart, and minimal mental effort, this movie fits the bill.
Rating: 6/10
Watch trailer below:
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