In the summer comedy hit “No Hard Feelings,” Jennifer Lawrence makes a spectacular return to the genre with a performance that showcases her exceptional range as an actress. The film follows Maddie Barker, a struggling 32-year-old who accepts an unusual proposition from wealthy parents looking for someone to date their socially awkward son before he leaves for college. Released on June 23, 2023, this heartwarming comedy received praise for Lawrence’s physical comedy chops and the surprising chemistry between the lead characters. Let’s dive into the complete cast, crew, and everything you need to know about this hilarious coming-of-age story for anyone interested in watching this movie online.
Meet the talented cast of “No Hard Feelings”
Leading performers
Jennifer Lawrence brilliantly portrays Maddie Barker, a spirited Uber driver and bartender in Montauk facing imminent bankruptcy and the loss of her childhood home. Her desperate financial situation drives her to answer an unusual Craigslist ad that will change her summer. Andrew Barth Feldman delivers a standout performance as Percy Becker, the introverted 19-year-old Princeton-bound student whose parents believe needs help with dating and social skills before college. Feldman’s portrayal of Percy’s awkward yet endearing character creates perfect comedic tension with Lawrence’s more experienced and brash Maddie.
The Becker family
The helicopter parents behind the unusual proposition are played by seasoned actors Laura Benanti and Matthew Broderick as Allison and Laird Becker. Their wealthy, overprotective approach to parenting becomes a central theme as they offer Maddie a Buick Regal in exchange for bringing their son out of his shell through dating experiences. Broderick brings his signature subtle comedic timing to the role of the concerned father, while Benanti perfectly captures the anxiety of a mother watching her son prepare for independence.
Supporting characters
The film features an impressive supporting cast that enriches the comedy:
- Natalie Morales as Sara, Maddie’s supportive friend
- Scott MacArthur as Jim, adding laughs with his scene-stealing moments
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Gary, contributing to the summer comedy dynamics
- Kyle Mooney as Jody, bringing his unique comedic style
- Hasan Minhaj as Doug Kahn, delivering sharp humor in his scenes
Additional characters include Amalia Yoo as Natalie, Alysia Joy Powell as Fern, and Zahn McClarnon as Gabe Sawyer, the surfing lawyer, all contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.
Behind the scenes: production and reception of “No Hard Feelings”
Creative team and production details
Director Gene Stupnitsky, who co-wrote the screenplay with John Phillips, based the story on an actual Craigslist advertisement. This real-life inspiration adds authenticity to the film’s premise. Production took place in late 2022 across various Nassau County locations in New York, including Hempstead and Point Lookout, capturing the perfect summer backdrop for Maddie and Percy’s evolving relationship.
| Production Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Gene Stupnitsky |
| Writers | Gene Stupnitsky & John Phillips |
| Producers | Alex Saks, Jennifer Lawrence, Marc Provissiero |
| Cinematographer | Eigil Bryld |
| Music | Mychael Danna & Jessica Rose Weiss |
Critical reception and box office performance
The film earned Jennifer Lawrence a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, highlighting her triumphant return to comedy. Critics and audiences particularly enjoyed the beach fight scene, which won “Best Stunt in a Non-Action Film” from Vulture. The movie grossed an impressive $87 million worldwide against its $45 million budget, proving that audiences were ready for this type of adult comedy with emotional depth.
Where to watch online
Since its digital release on August 15, 2023, “No Hard Feelings” has become available on several streaming platforms. The film runs 103 minutes and carries an R rating for:
- Language throughout the movie
- Sexual content and some graphic nudity
- Brief drug use in certain scenes
Viewers looking for a fun summer comedy with surprising emotional resonance will find Lawrence and Feldman’s chemistry makes this film worth watching for both laughs and heart.
