No Hard Feelings Ending Explained, The Plot, Review, and More
by Srinithi
Updated Jun 23, 2023
No Hard Feelings
"No Hard Feelings" is a 2023 American sex comedy film directed by Gene Stupnitsky. The screenplay, co-written by Stupnitsky and John Phillips, follows the story of a young woman named Maddie, portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, who is going through a rough patch in life. In an attempt to help an introverted 19-year-old named Percy (played by Andrew Barth Feldman) come out of his shell before college, Maddie responds to a unique listing to date him. The film also features Laura Benanti, Natalie Morales, and Matthew Broderick in supporting roles.
Released by Sony Pictures Releasing on June 23, 2023, "No Hard Feelings" garnered mixed reviews from critics. However, Jennifer Lawrence's comedic performance received praise for her portrayal of Maddie.
No Hard Feelings Ending Explained
No Hard Feelings, directed by Gene Stupnitsky and co-written by Stupnitsky and John Phillips, marks Jennifer Lawrence's debut in a full-fledged comedy. The film explores the heartfelt journey of Lawrence's character, Maddie, a local resident of Montauk. Maddie is hired to help bring Percy, a shy and introverted 19-year-old played by Andrew Barth Feldman, out of his shell before he heads off to Princeton.
While No Hard Feelings is initially billed as a raunchy comedy, it goes beyond the surface to delve into emotional beats and character development. As Maddie and Percy spend time together, they form a genuine friendship and overcome various hurdles along the way.
The conflict arises when Percy discovers that Maddie approached him only because his parents had put out an ad seeking assistance for him before college. Maddie, facing financial struggles and the possibility of losing her house, was desperate for the car that Percy's parents were offering. This revelation introduces tension into their relationship.
However, as the story progresses, Maddie and Percy both experience personal growth and find solace in each other's company. Maddie learns to open up emotionally and finds a way to resolve her financial issues. She pays off her property taxes, sells her house to her friends, and uses the money to start a new life in California.
On the other hand, Percy gains confidence and develops new friendships, enabling him to step out of his comfort zone without fear of social stigma. Through their shared experiences and support for one another, Maddie and Percy undergo transformative journeys that go beyond their initial intentions.
By the end of No Hard Feelings, the characters have moved past their initial conflicts and have become catalysts for each other's personal growth. The film's heartfelt ending showcases the power of friendship, self-discovery, and overcoming obstacles.
No Hard Feelings Movie Summary
Maddie, a woman in her early thirties, finds herself in dire financial straits in Montauk, New York. Her car is repossessed while trying to scrape together money for property taxes on her inherited home, a burden left by her deceased mother.
Determined to save her house, Maddie takes a unique opportunity from a Craigslist ad posted by a set of overprotective parents. The proposition involves "dating" their introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, in exchange for a car, as they hope to help him break out of his shell before he starts college at Princeton University.
In her attempt to seduce Percy, Maddie visits him at the animal shelter where he volunteers. However, a misunderstanding occurs, and Percy mistakes Maddie's intentions, leading him to mace her in self-defense. Despite the awkward encounter, they agree to go on a date the next day. Maddie and Percy find themselves skinny dipping at a beach at night, but their clothes are stolen by rowdy teenagers.
In a bold move, Maddie fights off the teenagers in the nude, scaring Percy, who insists on going home. Maddie drives away without him, but he chases after her, naked, as they elude the police. As their relationship deepens, Maddie and Percy attempt to become intimate, but Percy's anxiety causes him to break out in rashes. Maddie takes care of him and treats his anxiety.
Their dating journey continues, with Maddie and Percy sharing more about themselves and growing closer. Both admit to never having gone to prom, so they recreate their own prom night and have a fancy dinner together.
During the event, Percy encounters a former school acquaintance who invites him to a party. Following a disagreement about their future plans, Percy attends the party while Maddie searches for him. She eventually finds him after he consumed alcohol with an ibuprofen. Percy opens up and confesses his love for Maddie.
Unexpectedly, Percy discovers Maddie's arrangement with his parents. He invites her to lunch with them, but instead, he intentionally crashes her car into a tree and initiates a sexual encounter before abruptly ending their relationship. Maddie uses the damaged car to settle her debts and decides to sell the house to a couple named Jim and Sarah. With the newfound resources, she plans to move to California. At a Princeton mixer, Maddie reunites with Percy, and they agree to remain friends.
In the end, Maddie drives Percy to Princeton to help him settle in while she embarks on her journey to California. She shares the news of adopting Milo, a former police dog recovering from a cocaine addiction, whom they encountered at the animal shelter where Percy volunteered.
No Hard Feelings Cast
Jennifer Lawrence
Maddie Barker
Andrew Barth Feldman
Percy Becker
Matthew Broderick
Laird
Laura Benanti
Allison
Natalie Morales
Sarah
Scott MacArthur
Maddie's friend
Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Gary
Hasan Minhaj
Doug Khan
Kyle Mooney
Jody
Actor
Character
No Hard Feelings Ending Explained-FAQ
At the end of the film, Maddie and Percy have gone through various challenges and personal growth. They have moved past their initial conflicts and become catalysts for each other's transformation. They ultimately decide to remain friends.
Gene Stupnitsky directed the film.
The main actors in the film are Jennifer Lawrence as Maddie Barker and Andrew Barth Feldman as Percy Becker.
The film was released on June 23, 2023.
"No Hard Feelings" is a sex comedy film.