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Hard Feelings (2023) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Hard Feelings (2023) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2023 · 102 min · German
Echo score 62
Directed by
Granz Henman
Starring
Au/Ra, Cosima Henman, Diana Amft, Doris Golpashin, Felix Bold, Lilly Joan Gutzeit
Budget
$45M

Two close friends find themselves dealing with the challenges of adolescence, including the pain of unspoken affections and the embarrassing situations that arise from teenage awkwardness. They try to navigate the social landscape of high school, experiencing the ups and downs of friendship and first crushes, all while facing humorous and relatable consequences.

Comedy Cast, crew & box office
On this page (7)
  1. 1 Characters explained (2)
  2. 2 Where & when it takes place
  3. 3 Themes & meaning (3)
  4. 4 Character & meaning questions
  5. 5 Movie threads
  6. 6 Movies like Hard Feelings
  7. 7 Every angle

2 main characters · contains spoilers

Hard Feelings Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Hard Feelings (2023), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Maddie Barker (Jennifer Lawrence)

    Maddie is a determined and adventurous woman who finds herself at a crossroads in life. As an Uber driver and bartender struggling with financial issues, her impulsive decisions lead her into a complicated situation with a younger man. Despite her flaws, Maddie's journey is one of redemption and self-awareness, as she ultimately seeks genuine connections.

    • 🦸‍♀️ Protagonist
    • 💪 Resilient
    • ❤️ Emotional

  • Percy Becker (Andrew Barth Feldman)

    Percy is a shy and awkward teenager on the brink of adulthood. Struggling with confidence and peer pressure, his relationship with Maddie helps him navigate his insecurities. Throughout the film, Percy demonstrates growth as he learns to assert himself and confront his feelings, making him a relatable character for many viewers.

    • 👦 Young Adult
    • 🤔 Insecure
    • ❤️ Growing

Last updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:28

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Setting

Where and When Does Hard Feelings Take Place?

The setting of Hard Feelings (2023): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day issues such as financial struggles and interpersonal relationships. The characters navigate the complexities of life in their 20s and 30s, dealing with the pressures of adulthood and personal expectations.

Location

Montauk, New York

Montauk, located at the eastern tip of Long Island, New York, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant summer tourism. It's a quaint coastal town where locals often enjoy water activities, dining by the shore, and the relaxed lifestyle it offers. The bar where Maddie works is a pivotal backdrop, showcasing the town's social scene.

  • 🌊 Waterside
  • 🏖️ Beach

Last updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:28

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3 major themes

Hard Feelings Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Hard Feelings (2023) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Complicated Relationships

    The movie explores the nuances of relationships, particularly through Maddie and Percy's complicated dynamic. From casual encounters to deeper emotional connections, the film portrays the struggles of navigating love, lust, and friendship in an ever-changing world.

  • Heartbreak

    Heartbreak is a significant theme in the movie, highlighted by Maddie's attempts to reconnect with Gary and the fallout of her relationship with Percy. The emotional turmoil associated with losing connections and the desire for reconciliation are prevalent throughout the film.

  • Self-Discovery

    Maddie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, realizing her own worth and aspirations while trying to save her home. The film emphasizes personal growth, as both Maddie and Percy learn about themselves through their experiences together and apart.

Last updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:28

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Character & theme questions

Hard Feelings Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Hard Feelings (2023): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Hard Feelings set?

The movie takes place in Montauk, New York, a coastal town at the eastern tip of Long Island. Montauk is known for its beaches, summer tourism, and relaxed seaside lifestyle. The bar where Maddie works serves as a key backdrop, showcasing the town's social scene.

  • montauk
  • long island
  • setting
  • location
  • new york
Q2

When does Hard Feelings take place?

The film is set in contemporary, modern times. The story reflects current-day issues including financial struggles and interpersonal relationships, with characters navigating life in their 20s and 30s.

  • time period
  • contemporary
  • modern
  • era
Q3

What is the main theme of Hard Feelings?

Hard Feelings explores several interconnected themes including complicated relationships, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The film focuses on the nuanced navigation of love, lust, and friendship, while also depicting characters learning about their own worth and aspirations.

  • themes
  • relationships
  • love
  • heartbreak
  • self-discovery
Q4

Who is Maddie Barker?

Maddie Barker is the female lead played by Jennifer Lawrence. She is a determined and adventurous woman working as an Uber driver and bartender while struggling with financial issues. Her journey involves seeking redemption and genuine connections as she navigates life's challenges.

  • maddie barker
  • jennifer lawrence
  • protagonist
  • character
Q5

Who is Percy Becker?

Percy Becker is a shy and awkward teenager on the brink of adulthood, played by Andrew Barth Feldman. He struggles with confidence and peer pressure, and his relationship with Maddie helps him navigate his insecurities while learning to assert himself and confront his feelings.

  • percy becker
  • andrew barth feldman
  • teenage character
  • supporting character
Q6

What does the theme of complicated relationships mean in the movie?

The theme of complicated relationships in Hard Feelings centers on Maddie and Percy's dynamic, which evolves from casual encounters to deeper emotional connections. The film portrays the struggles of navigating love, lust, and friendship in an ever-changing world.

  • relationship dynamics
  • friendship
  • love
  • emotional connection
Q7

How does heartbreak factor into Hard Feelings?

Heartbreak is a significant theme highlighted by Maddie's attempts to reconnect with Gary and the emotional fallout of her relationship with Percy. The film explores the turmoil of losing connections and the desire for reconciliation throughout the story.

  • heartbreak
  • emotional pain
  • relationships
  • loss
Q8

What is Maddie's self-discovery journey about?

Maddie embarks on a journey of self-discovery where she realizes her own worth and aspirations while trying to save her home. The film emphasizes her personal growth as she learns about herself through experiences with Percy and the challenges she faces.

  • self-discovery
  • personal growth
  • character arc
  • maturity
Q9

What kind of movie is Hard Feelings?

Hard Feelings is a comedy film from 2023. Despite dealing with themes like financial struggles and social anxiety, the movie maintains a light and humorous tone, featuring comedic yet poignant moments and hilariously awkward situations.

  • comedy
  • genre
  • tone
  • humor
  • 2023 movie
Q10

What type of setting is Montauk in the movie?

Montauk serves as a quintessential seaside setting in the film. It's depicted as a quaint coastal town with beautiful beaches, vibrant summer tourism, and a relaxed lifestyle where locals enjoy water activities and dining by the shore.

  • montauk setting
  • beach town
  • coastal
  • environment

Movie threads

More Movies Like Hard Feelings, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Hard Feelings tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Awkward Teen Comedies like Hard Feelings

Humorous and heartfelt stories of friendship, first crushes, and embarrassing teenage moments. If you liked the humor and heart of Hard Feelings, you'll enjoy these movies. This collection features similar coming-of-age stories filled with hilarious mishaps, quirky characters, and the relatable vulnerability of navigating high school life and unexpected friendships.

  • awkward
  • humorous
  • embarrassing
  • quirky
  • vulnerable
  • chaotic
  • Tone: light, humorous
  • Pacing: steady
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Narratives typically follow a character or group of friends as they navigate the social mazes of adolescence. The plot is driven by a series of embarrassing or chaotic events that test their bonds, leading to moments of vulnerability and, ultimately, personal growth and self-acceptance.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped by their lighthearted, comedic approach to the awkwardness of youth. They share a steady pacing that balances humorous set pieces with genuine emotional moments, creating a relatable and consistently entertaining vibe centered on personal growth through shared vulnerability.

Adventures in the Sin Bin movie poster

Adventures in the Sin Bin

2013
That Awkward Moment movie poster

That Awkward Moment

2014
Accepted movie poster

Accepted

2006
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen movie poster

Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen

2004
Sleepover movie poster

Sleepover

2004
Totally Awesome movie poster

Totally Awesome

2006
Tall Girl movie poster

Tall Girl

2019
Good Kids movie poster

Good Kids

2016

Movies about Unlikely Friendships like Hard Feelings

A transactional relationship blossoms into a genuine connection, changing both characters. Fans of the evolving friendship in Hard Feelings will appreciate these films. Discover more stories where an unexpected pairing leads to comedic chaos and heartfelt personal transformation, focusing on characters who help each other become better versions of themselves.

  • quirky
  • vulnerable
  • heartfelt
  • comedic
  • growth
  • unlikely duo
  • Tone: light, hopeful
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot begins with a clear, often comedic, transactional agreement between two very different characters. As they are forced to spend time together, their preconceptions are challenged through shared, often embarrassing, experiences. The central conflict is internal, as they learn to be vulnerable, leading to a happy resolution where the friendship is cemented.

Why they belong together: This thread connects films through the specific narrative arc of an unlikely friendship that evolves from a practical arrangement to a meaningful bond. They share a straightforward complexity, a steady, character-driven pace, and a mix of comedy and light emotional weight that makes the growth feel earned and satisfying.

Happy Together movie poster

Happy Together

1989
My Best Friend movie poster

My Best Friend

2007
School for Scoundrels movie poster

School for Scoundrels

2006
What Happens Next movie poster

What Happens Next

2011
Failure to Launch movie poster

Failure to Launch

2006
Lucky Partners movie poster

Lucky Partners

1940
The Likely Lads movie poster

The Likely Lads

1976
B.A.P.S movie poster

B.A.P.S

1997

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Movies Like Hard Feelings

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Every angle

Hard Feelings (2023) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Hard Feelings in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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