No Hard Feelings

The curtain opens on a poignant scene as Gary, a rugged tow truck driver (Eben Moss-Bachrach), rolls up to the doorstep of Maddie Barker (Jennifer Lawrence), an Uber driver with a penchant for rollerblading. Their complicated past, marred by her sudden disappearance from his life, still lingers in the air like the faint scent of yesterday's passion. However, their reunion is short-lived, as another suitor, clad in nothing but his underwear, emerges from the shadows, further complicating matters. Gary, seemingly unfazed by the spectacle, efficiently retrieves Maddie's vehicle, leaving her to ponder the fragility of human connection.

As Maddie's world begins to unravel, she sets out on a series of misadventures, culminating in a comical breakfast escapade with Gary, during which she finds herself entangled in a frustrating game of tug-of-war. The consequences of her actions are swift and severe, as she faces the very real possibility of losing her home due to outstanding taxes.

By day, Maddie tends bar at a picturesque waterside establishment in Montauk, where she's surrounded by the warmth of familiar faces, including her friend Sara (Natalie Morales) and Sara's husband Jim (Scott MacArthur). However, her nights are filled with the anxiety of financial uncertainty. Her boss takes notice of her prickly demeanor during an altercation with a customer who dares to defy the rules, prompting a stern warning.

It is in this climate of desperation that Maddie stumbles upon a peculiar job listing from the Becker family, seeking someone to "date" their awkward and introverted son Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman) before he departs for college. The reward: a sleek Buick Regal. Though initially perplexed by the ambiguity surrounding the term "date," Maddie is ultimately swayed by the promise of financial salvation and sets her sights on exploiting the wealthy elite.

Maddie's introduction to the Becker family, comprising Laird (Matthew Broderick) and Allison (Laura Benanti), is a masterclass in artful manipulation. She effortlessly convinces them that she is the perfect candidate for the job, despite being nearly two decades older than Percy. The couple's insistence that their son remain oblivious to the arrangement only serves to heighten the tension, as Maddie becomes increasingly embroiled in a complex web of lies and deception.

As Maddie (undeterred by her previous rejection) sets out to ensnare Percy's affections, she orchestrates an elaborate ruse at a local dog shelter. Dressed to impress in a form-fitting dress, she feigns interest in adopting a canine companion, only to be steered towards Milo - a former police dog with a troubled past due to its addiction to cocaine. As Maddie's advances become increasingly brazen, Percy grows uneasy and attempts to extricate himself from the situation. However, Maddie's persistence pays off as she convinces him to accept a ride home in Jim's van. Under the guise of hospitality, she invites Percy to her residence, where he ultimately deploys his can of mace, momentarily incapacitating her.

The seeds of uncertainty are sown when Maddie brings Percy to a local watering hole, where she has a connection with the waitress. With a wink and a smile, she procures a Long Island iced tea for him, which he despises. The arrival of Travis (Quincy Dunn-Baker), an ex-flame bearing a wedding band, serves as a stark reminder that Maddie's reputation precedes her. He warns Percy to maintain a safe distance from her, cautioning that her wandering eye will inevitably lead to heartache.

As their relationship progresses, Maddie convinces Percy to join her for a midnight skinny-dipping session on the beach. Initially hesitant, he eventually succumbs to her charms and joins her in the water. However, their carefree evening is disrupted by three inebriated teens who steal their clothes, leaving them vulnerable. Undeterred, Maddie emerges from the ocean in all her glory and engages the trio in a fierce battle before they relent and return their belongings. When she wades back into the surf, Percy expresses his concern for her mental well-being.

As Maddie prepares to depart, Percy refuses to relinquish his phone, prompting him to ride the hood of her car as she drives away. The authorities are alerted, and a high-speed chase ensues, with Maddie employing evasive maneuvers to evade capture. In a daring feat, she navigates her vehicle across train tracks just ahead of an oncoming locomotive, ultimately losing her pursuers in the process.

As the evening unfolds, Maddie makes another bold move to win over Percy's affections. She invites him to her home, where she attempts to seduce him with a sultry dance routine. However, their sensual encounter takes an unexpected turn when Maddie notices a peculiar rash on Percy's back, which he attributes to anxiety. As she tenderly applies lotion to soothe his skin, Percy begins to open up about the painful experiences of his adolescence, including being mercilessly teased by classmates for sleeping in his parents' bedroom and facing rumors that he was having illicit relationships with them. This vulnerability prompts Maddie to share an embarrassing memory from her own past.

Just as things are getting intimate, a familiar face interrupts their cozy evening. Doug Khan, a former classmate turned realtor, shows up at Maddie's doorstep, eager to peddle his wares and sell her property for top dollar. However, Maddie remains unimpressed by his overtures, refusing to budge from her determination to preserve the family home.

As Percy and Maddie continue their blossoming romance, they embark on a day filled with playful adventure. They visit an arcade, where they rack up prizes and revel in each other's company, before being politely asked to leave due to Maddie's mischievous behavior towards another youngster. Later, as the sun begins to set, Percy asks Maddie to join him for a genuine date, and she agrees. As they stroll by the lighthouse, he takes her hand and makes his move, sealing their first kiss with a tender, if slightly awkward, gesture.

As the day wears on, Maddie reveals to Percy that she has remained rooted in Montauk all these years, refusing to leave the family home inherited from her father. Her mother had been given the property along with some financial support, ensuring they wouldn't trouble her father's new life and family. This candid confession marks a turning point in their relationship, as they begin to confront their own demons and insecurities.

Their next stop is a visit to Percy's former nanny, Jody – an adult male who has raised him since childhood. As they arrive at his humble abode, Maddie senses that something is amiss about the peculiar arrangement between Jody and Percy. However, when she accuses Jody of being creepy for taking on such a role, he fires back with a healthy dose of skepticism aimed squarely at her own motivations.

As the evening wears on, Maddie and Percy find themselves indulging in a whimsical prom date, replete with fine dining and piano serenades. The latter's impromptu performance of "Maneater" at the fancy restaurant earns him thunderous applause and a nod of approval from Maddie herself. Their shared moment of connection is further cemented when Natalie (Amalia Yoo), a fellow Princeton-bound student, approaches Percy to offer her praise. Inviting him to a party for other students heading to the esteemed institution, Natalie sets in motion a chain of events that will soon test Percy's character and resolve.

Despite Maddie's reservations, Percy decides to attend the party, and the two take a limousine to the exclusive gathering. As they navigate the sea of snooty teenagers, Maddie finds herself out of her element, feeling like an outsider among the privileged crowd. Her unease is short-lived, as she eventually tracks down Percy to find him entwined with Natalie - but not before learning that his condition stems from a combination of drinking and medication.

Maddie's intervention only serves to escalate the situation, leading to a confrontation with the party's host parents. As they depart, Percy makes a move on Maddie in the limousine, but she refuses to reciprocate, citing his inebriated state. The next morning, Laird and Allison notice a marked change in Percy's demeanor, which he attributes to his new relationship.

However, it soon becomes apparent that Percy has been reevaluating his priorities, opting to forgo Princeton to stay close to Maddie. Meanwhile, Allison's conversation with Maddie - during which she expresses her desire to keep the car without having to reciprocate Percy's affections - inadvertently reaches Percy through the speakers of his parents' car, leaving him heartbroken and disenchanted.

As the awkwardness of their initial tryst begins to dissipate, Percy invites Maddie over for a lunch date with his parents, an opportunity for them to "meet" in a more formal setting. However, Percy's attempts at conviviality are soon replaced by passive-aggressive behavior as he indulges in his hosts' wine. Later, he and coworker Crispin (Jordan Mendoza) take a trip out into the woods, where they engage in some juvenile mischief with Percy's beloved Buick. Their antics culminate in a reckless decision that sees the car crash into a tree, which subsequently falls on top of it.

The aftermath of this debacle finds Maddie dealing with the consequences of Percy's actions, including a damaged vehicle and a lingering sense of unease. As they attempt to move forward, their relationship reaches a turning point when Percy's impulsive nature gets the better of him once again. Their initial attempts at intimacy are cut short as Percy's emotions get the better of him, leading to an awkward and premature conclusion.

As the weeks pass, Maddie finds herself struggling to come to terms with the aftermath of their tumultuous relationship. She continues to drive her battered Buick, a constant reminder of Percy's thoughtless behavior. Meanwhile, Gary (her ride-sharing partner) presents her with a beaten-up vehicle, forcing her to confront the harsh realities of her situation.

In the midst of this turmoil, Maddie finds solace in the company of Jim and Sara, who offer her a sense of hope and community. However, their own plans for the future take an unexpected turn when they announce that they're leaving New York to start anew in Florida, citing the needs of their unborn child (Sara's pregnancy). Maddie is left feeling lost and alone, forced to reevaluate her own priorities.

In a bid to regain control over her life, Maddie reaches out to Doug, who offers her the opportunity to sell her house. She decides to take him up on his offer, using the proceeds to fund her own move to California. As she begins making plans for this new chapter in her life, she finds herself drawn to the prospect of starting anew.

Maddie's attempts to rekindle a connection with Percy at a Princeton mixer ultimately prove unsuccessful, as he remains resolute in his refusal to engage with her. Undeterred, she sets out to find him, eventually tracking him down and confronting him about his actions. In a dramatic turn of events, Percy drives off with Maddie clinging to the hood of his car, leading them on a wild chase through the streets.

Their journey culminates in a beachside finale, where Maddie finds herself caught up in a barbecue grill's flames before being swept away by Percy's reckless driving. As they come to a stop in the water, they're forced to confront the gravity of their situation and the emotional toll it has taken on them both.

In the aftermath of this ordeal, Percy finally begins to open up, revealing a deeper sense of vulnerability and regret. As they reconcile, Maddie announces her plans to leave New York behind, prompting Percy to offer words of encouragement and support. Despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship, he remains convinced that their initial encounter still counts as his lost virginity, a peculiar sentiment that speaks to the complexity of their emotions.

As Percy prepares to depart for the esteemed halls of learning at Princeton, he shares a bittersweet goodbye with his dear friends Laird and Allison. The emotional farewell serves as a poignant reminder of the chapter closing on his life in this small town. Just as Percy is about to embark on this new journey, an unexpected twist arrives in the form of Maddie, who pulls up to whisk him away to his destination in California. But her surprise delivery isn't just a courtesy ride; it's a revelation that will forever alter their dynamics. With great fanfare, she proudly presents Percy with a delightful surprise - the adoption papers for Milo, signaling a new era of co-parenting and shared responsibility between them. As they hit the open road together, the significance of this development becomes impossible to ignore, foreshadowing a future filled with challenges and opportunities that will test their bond as friends and as family.