Jennifer Lawrence bares all in comedy comeback No Hard Feelings
NO HARD FEELINGS emerges refreshingly from the ocean of frat boy bawdy comedies like a bracing skinny dip into R-rated raunchy territory for a female-led comedy. Not only does this movie dare to dare to flip the script, it runs right up to it and kicks it in the crotch for good measure. At the heart of this uproarious tale of not one but two separate but intertwined coming-of-age journeys is none other than Jennifer Lawrence, whose comeback to the big screen is as triumphant as it is hilarious and boldly unapologetic.
The premise of NO HARD FEELINGS is deceptively simple, yet it’s in the execution that the film finds its golden, comedic thread. Lawrence plays a down-on-her-luck character whose financial desperation leads her to answer a rather unconventional job advertisement. The ensuing escapades are a cocktail of cringe-worthy situations, uproarious mishaps, and, surprisingly, tender moments that carve out a niche in the teen sex comedy genre.
Jennifer Lawrence demonstrates impeccable comic timing and a breathtaking willingness to embrace physical comedy with gusto while retaining the ability to convey a depth of emotion even in the most absurd situations. She carries the film on her shoulders with the grace of a seasoned comedienne in a role that feels both like a departure and a homecoming for Lawrence, who seamlessly blends her Oscar-calibre acting chops with a fearless comedic defiance. Her performance is a reminder of her versatility and a glorious declaration that she can indeed do it all.
But NO HARD FEELINGS isn’t just the Jennifer Lawrence Show. The supporting cast, comprising both seasoned and fresh faces, holds their own, delivering punchlines and emotional depth with equal finesse. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, making the audience feel like they’re in on the joke, part of the gang embarking on this wild ride.
Director and co-writer Gene Stupnitsky, known for his work on THE OFFICE and GOOD BOYS brings a keen eye for the absurd and a heart for the human condition. His direction ensures that NO HARD FEELINGS is not just a series of slapstick events but a story with soul, exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and the lengths to which we go to find our place in the world. The film’s humour is bold and bawdy, never shying away from the pushing the risqué boundaries, yet it’s balanced with moments of genuine warmth and introspection. There’s an energy to the cinematography, capturing the beauty and chaos of the film’s settings and subject with a vibrant palette. The editing is suitably sharp, too, helping each moment to land with maximum impact.
The film cleverly navigates its sexually-charged shenanigans without falling into the trap of crudeness for crudeness’ sake. It’s a tightrope walk of tone, managing to be both outrageous and endearing, a feat that’s no small accomplishment and which many other films have failed to achieve. Moreover, it refreshingly centres an uncompromisingly female perspective in a narrative arc traditionally dominated by the male gaze, offering a nuanced – even when naked – take on a well-worn subject.
