“No Hard Feelings”: A Modern Romcom’s Blockbuster Success
2023’s R-rated comedy, No Hard Feelings, starring the impeccable Jennifer Lawrence, has shaken the entertainment industry with its remarkable success. Directed by the talented Gene Stupnitsky, this film has proven to be the much-needed breath of fresh air for summer romantic comedies, seamlessly merging the cherished narratives from the 2000s with the zest of contemporary cinema. With its digital release now making waves, there’s no stopping this cinematic powerhouse.
The Plot Twist Everyone is Talking About
In No Hard Feelings, audiences are introduced to Maddie, portrayed by Lawrence. She’s a 30-something hired for an unexpected task—taking the virginity of a 19-year-old, Percy, enacted by the brilliant Andrew Barth Feldman. As the story unravels, they find themselves entangled in hilariously outrageous events, from attending high school bashes to engaging in awkward scuffles. It’s not just the laugh-out-loud moments but the film’s unique ending that differentiates it from its predecessors, positioning it as a pioneer in reshaping the trajectory of R-rated romantic films.
How to Catch “No Hard Feelings” on VOD
Released for VOD on August 15, 2023, just a few short months after its theatrical debut in June, the film embodies Sony Picture’s audacious release strategy. As of now, the film isn’t available for rental or on home media, but this is set to change soon. If you’re eager to own it digitally, several platforms are offering it at a standard price:
Prime Video – $19.99
Google Play – $19.99
Apple TV – $19.99
Vudu – $19.99
ROW8 – $19.99
Anticipation Builds for Streaming Release
The next milestone for No Hard Feelings is its much-awaited home media release slated for September. With Sony Pictures holding the distribution rights but lacking its own streaming platform, the film will find its streaming home based on existing contracts. Currently, Netflix is set to have the film first in line for its debut. Expectations are that by October 2023, fans will be able to stream the movie on Netflix, where it will remain for an 18-month tenure. Following this period, courtesy of a secondary deal with Disney, the film will then find its way, most likely to Hulu due to its mature content rating.
Box Office Triumph
The early 2000s was a golden era for R-rated romcoms. However, as the years progressed, the allure faded, resulting in a downturn in box office performance for this genre. But, No Hard Feelings has altered this trajectory, boasting a robust $15 million domestic opening and accumulating a global gross of $85 million, an astounding feat for an R-rated romcom in recent times.
With a budget of approximately $45 million and a reception marked by a 71% critic score and an 87% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film not only garnered financial success but also critical acclaim. The triumphant run of No Hard Feelings at the box office indicates a promising future for R-rated comedies, and fans are eager for what’s next in store from Lawrence and Stupnitsky.
