Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

TV & Film

No Hard Feelings filmmakers defend premise even though it’s just a movie, calm down

The filmmakers say they’d be surprised if you come out of the movie thinking it was creepy

Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman in No Hard Feelings
Credit: Sony

Jennifer Lawrence‘s latest comedy, No Hard Feelings, has hit theaters and is garnering moderate success, signaling a positive outlook for R-rated comedies in the future. However, The Hollywood Reporter took it upon themselves to ensure that the film’s premise is not mistaken for an endorsement of such behavior in real life. The movie revolves around Lawrence’s character, a 32-year-old woman who responds to a Craigslist ad from a couple seeking someone to “date” their socially awkward 19-year-old son. The comedic premise, evident even in the trailer, sets the stage for a storyline where things don’t quite go as planned, and everyone learns valuable lessons along the way.

Amidst the concern over appropriateness, THR caught up with the film’s cast and crew at its premiere to address any misinterpretations. Laura Benanti, who portrays one of the parents, emphasizes that the film offers a satirical perspective on the consequences of not allowing children the space to navigate life on their own terms. Matthew Broderick, who plays the other parent, acknowledges that their characters are in the wrong, emphasizing the importance of allowing children the freedom to forge their own paths. In their misguided attempt, “these parents decide to mess with nature.”

The producers and writer/director Gene Stupnitsky also clarified that while the film draws inspiration from a real Craigslist ad, they did not delve into the specifics of its outcome, if any. No Hard Feelings isn’t a portrayal of real-life events, but rather an exaggerated depiction of helicopter parenting and the societal pressures to conform. Stupnitsky expresses doubt that viewers would perceive the film as creepy, as they took great care to mitigate any discomfort, adopting a humanist approach to the story.

Indeed, it doesn’t require extensive media literacy to understand that a movie trailer does not imply an endorsement of paying someone to manipulate an introverted child into having sex. Such concerns, if any, were likely addressed by the filmmakers due to the subject matter’s inherent absurdity and the fact that it serves as comedic material. It’s important to remember that not everything that unfolds in a film is a direct reflection of the filmmakers’ personal beliefs, especially when the events portrayed are intentionally outlandish and intended for comedic effect.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Support Real Ones. Fund the Future.

If you read this far, you get it: young voices matter. At TRILL, every story is written by emerging writers telling the truth in a media landscape that too often silences them.

We run ads, yeah. But they don’t run us. We’re independent, mission-driven, and powered by people who believe young storytellers deserve more than just “exposure.”

Your donation goes straight to mentorship, editorial support, and launching the next wave of Gen Z writers into media careers that matter.

If that matters to you, chip in. Even $5 helps keep TRILL free, fearless, and independent.

Donate Now →

You May Also Like

Advice

Have you ever woken up and gotten more done in the first three hours of your day than you had in two weeks? Or,...

Style

Capsool is more than just a vintage store, it’s a full experience. Founded by Vittoria di Lanno, the Miami-based boutique blends fashion, history, and...

TV & Film

This Shudder Norwegian film depicts a Cinderella remake from the perspective of the ‘ugly’ stepsister.

Books

As the live-action How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters, we examine the wildly different (and often overlooked) book series that started it all.