Detailed Summary
Maddie’s Desperate Situation
The film follows Maddie Barker (Jennifer Lawrence), a financially struggling Uber driver and bartender in Montauk, New York. Facing foreclosure on her late mother’s house due to unpaid property taxes, she is desperate for a way to make quick money.
The Unusual Job Offer
Maddie stumbles upon a Craigslist ad posted by wealthy helicopter parents (Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti) looking for someone to “date” their socially awkward 19-year-old son, Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman), before he leaves for college. In exchange, they offer a Buick Regal, which Maddie needs to keep her job.
Maddie Meets Percy
Maddie attempts to seduce Percy, but he is incredibly shy, anxious, and resistant. Her usual charm doesn’t work on him, leading to a series of comedic and awkward encounters as she tries to bring him out of his shell.
Transformation and Emotional Connection
As Maddie and Percy spend time together, she realizes he is more than just an awkward kid—he is kind, intelligent, and deeply insecure due to his overprotective parents. Meanwhile, Percy helps Maddie confront her own issues with intimacy, purpose, and maturity.
Movie Ending
By the end, Maddie and Percy’s relationship evolves from a transactional agreement into a genuine friendship. Instead of a clichéd romance, the film delivers an emotional conclusion where both characters grow—Percy gains confidence and Maddie reevaluates her life choices. Percy heads off to Princeton, and Maddie finds a new perspective on her future.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, No Hard Feelings does not have a post-credits scene. The story concludes naturally.
Type of Movie
- Genre: Comedy, coming-of-age, romance
- Themes: Personal growth, social anxiety, adulthood struggles
- Style: Raunchy yet heartfelt, blending crude humor with emotional depth
Cast
- Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie Barker
- Andrew Barth Feldman as Percy Becker
- Matthew Broderick as Laird Becker
- Laura Benanti as Allison Becker
- Natalie Morales as Sara
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Gary
Film Music and Composer
- Composer: Mychael Danna
- Music Style: A mix of contemporary pop and an upbeat, comedic score
Filming Locations
- Montauk, New York: The beach town setting plays a crucial role in the film’s summer romance atmosphere.
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for Best Comedy at several critics’ choice awards
- Jennifer Lawrence praised for her comedic timing
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Jennifer Lawrence produced the film and fully embraced its over-the-top humor.
- Andrew Barth Feldman was actually admitted to Harvard and delayed his studies to film this movie.
- Some of the film’s raunchiest scenes were toned down in the editing process.
Inspirations and References
- Inspired by a real Craigslist ad that the filmmakers found.
- Pays homage to classic 2000s raunchy comedies like Superbad and American Pie.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
- A deleted scene showed Percy trying stand-up comedy at an open mic night.
- An alternate ending had Percy staying in Montauk for the summer instead of immediately leaving for Princeton.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Maddie’s first encounter with Percy: A hilariously disastrous meeting.
- The skinny-dipping scene: One of the film’s most outrageous comedic moments.
- Percy finally standing up to his parents: A moment of personal growth.
Iconic Quotes
- “Is this even legal?”
- “You need to loosen up. Like, a lot.”
- “I don’t think this is what my parents had in mind…”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Maddie’s car breaking down mirrors her life falling apart at the start of the film.
- A subtle reference to The Graduate in the final scene.
- The beach bar where Maddie works is based on real Montauk dive bars.
Trivia
- Jennifer Lawrence did most of her own stunts, including the infamous beach fight scene.
- The script was written specifically with Lawrence in mind.
- Many of Percy’s awkward moments were improvised by Andrew Barth Feldman.
- The movie is R-rated, making it one of the few recent mainstream adult comedies.
Why Watch?
- Jennifer Lawrence in one of her funniest roles yet.
- A rare modern R-rated comedy that blends humor with heart.
- If you love awkward romance, hilarious misadventures, and feel-good stories.
Director’s Other Movies
- Good Boys (2019)
- The Office (various episodes)
- The Dictator (2012, writer)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Superbad (2007)
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
- There’s Something About Mary (1998)
- Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
- The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
