Hard Feelings

Maddie and Percy’s relationship begins as a clearly mismatched arrangement—she, a desperate woman trying to solve her financial problems, and he, a socially awkward boy needing help to build confidence before college. Over the course of their interactions, however, they develop a genuine bond. Maddie’s initial plan to seduce Percy and get the car as a reward gradually shifts into something more meaningful as she begins to care for him, and he in turn starts to see her as more than just a means to an end. Percy reveals how much his controlling parents have stifled him, and Maddie shares her painful backstory of abandonment and loss, which creates an emotional connection between them.

Eventually, Percy’s parents’ true intentions come to light: they hired Maddie to manipulate him into becoming more independent, but they did not envision him actually making his own decisions. When Percy finally asserts himself by choosing not to attend Princeton and instead stay in Montauk, it’s a sign that he’s begun to break free from his parents’ control. Seeing this, his parents realize their mistake and abandon their overbearing plans, allowing Percy to regain some autonomy. Maddie, having fulfilled her role in helping Percy find his voice, receives the trashed car as her payment but chooses to move on with her life.

In the end, Maddie decides to sell her house to friends to help them start a new chapter, and she leaves Montauk to explore the world again, feeling more confident in her independence. Percy departs for Princeton with a newfound sense of self, and Maddie drives him there before heading off to her next adventure. Despite their initial plan, they don’t become lovers—instead, they forge a deep friendship based on trust and understanding, which endures beyond the events of the film. The story concludes with both characters stepping into their futures, wiser and more empowered than before.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:01