At only 32, Jennifer Lawrence’s life reads like a screenplay full of unexpected plot twists, packed with more experiences than many celebrities double her age. From ascending the Hollywood ladder to securing an Oscar, Lawrence’s journey is both enviable and intriguing.
Recently, Lawrence has taken on a fresh challenge by leading in the comedic film, No Hard Feelings. This R-rated comedy centers around a young man on the brink of university, whose parents enlist Lawrence’s character to help boost his self-confidence in a very unusual way. It’s a significant pivot for Lawrence, a woman renowned for roles with comic hints but never a full-fledged comedy.
Uncharted Territories: The World of No Hard Feelings
No Hard Feelings introduces us to Maddie Barker, played brilliantly by Lawrence. Maddie is an NYC-based bartender and part-time Uber driver, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Her current woes? A repossessed car and a looming property tax bill linked to her inherited home. Maddie’s salvation appears in the form of a peculiar Craigslist advertisement, promising a Buick Regal car in exchange for her unconventional services.
The real-life Craigslist ad which inspired this narrative piqued Lawrence’s interest. But it wasn’t just the storyline that drew her in; she was keen on exploring comedy and collaborating with the film’s talented director and co-writer, Gene Stupnitsky. Reflecting on her initial reactions, Lawrence revealed:
“Gene read the Craigslist ad out to me. I died laughing. I thought it was hilarious, but there wasn’t a script or anything. I just thought he had a funny idea. A couple of years later, he handed me the funniest script I’ve ever read in my life. I guess [that] I like cringe humor. I do like the idea of comedy that makes people uncomfortable. I love when people are watching through their hands, through their fingers. Nothing makes me happier.”
The comedy truly kicks in when Maddie’s first attempt at fulfilling her end of the Craigslist deal falls apart comically. The teen, Percy, misconstrues Maddie’s advance as an abduction move and retaliates with pepper spray. This sequence, specifically designed for Lawrence, highlights her innate comedic talent, a facet Stupnitsky was eager for the world to witness.
Commenting on Lawrence’s comedic skills, Stupnitsky expressed:
“The reason I wrote this movie for her is that I knew how funny she was, and I wanted everyone else to know. People know she’s funny but wanted her in a comedy. I thought, ‘Yes. I know how to do this. I know how to write her voice.’ I told her, ‘I really want you to experience a feeling of sitting in a theater with hundreds of people laughing.’ She’s had many experiences in film but hasn’t quite had this one.”
Jennifer Lawrence: A Glimpse Beyond the Limelight
Despite being in films like Netflix’s Don’t Look Up and the indie drama Causeway in 2021 and 2022 respectively, Lawrence has maintained a lower public profile than her hyper-visible past. Notably, her last significant cinematic outing before No Hard Feelings was 2018’s Red Sparrow, which unfortunately didn’t soar as high at the box office as anticipated, especially considering Lawrence’s substantial remuneration.
Earlier, Lawrence’s collaboration with Chris Pratt in the 2016 film Passengers made headlines for her sizeable $20 million salary. Although the film wasn’t labeled a flop, its box office returns juxtaposed against contemporaneous blockbusters, coupled with a lukewarm critical reception, cast shadows on Lawrence’s commercial draw.
Is a Jennifer Lawrence Renaissance on the Horizon?
Labeling Lawrence’s current phase as a “comeback” might be a stretch. After all, she was arguably the 2010s’ crown jewel, balancing commercial successes with critical acclaim, embodied by her four Oscar nominations and a win for Silver Linings Playbook.
Financially, her star hasn’t dimmed. She clinched an impressive $25 million deal for Don’t Look Up, rivaling the highest paychecks in Hollywood in the last decade.
With No Hard Feelings, Lawrence seems ready to evolve from the roles that once defined her. While she’s turning 33 this year, she appears as radiant as ever, perhaps indicating a new chapter in her illustrious career. Only time will tell if this evolution will solidify her standing or give her a fresh start in the unpredictable world of Hollywood. But one thing’s for certain: Jennifer Lawrence isn’t done surprising us.
