Jennifer Lawrence is a Hollywood chameleon, effortlessly sliding from one genre to another. From the dystopian world of The Hunger Games and the super-powered antics of X-Men to the offbeat romance of Silver Linings Playbook, she’s done it all, leaving no stone unturned. But let’s not forget one of her most polarizing roles that had the audiences either singing her praises or scratching their heads was the R-rated comedy No Hard Feelings.
But wait, isn’t this kind of comedy a gamble in today’s market, where a UCLA study revealed that young American viewers are craving a shift away from steamy scenes? Indeed, so it’s safe to say that Lawrence’s ‘bold’ scene in No Hard Feelings might not be the hot ticket for today’s Gen Z.
Exploring Gen Z’s Desire for Less S*xual Content in Films
Gen Z has given s*x scenes the cold shoulder, according to a 2023 report from THR. As per a UCLA study, young Americans aged 10 to 24 are looking for less of the steamy stuff and more heartfelt content on screen. In fact, a majority of 51 percent of the 1,500 surveyed prefer content centered on platonic relationships and friendships.
Nearly half (47.5 percent) think “s*x isn’t needed” in most TV shows and movies, while 44 percent feel “romance is overused”; they think it is being served on a plate that’s a bit too full. In a comical twist, 44 percent of respondents would rather tackle toilet cleaning than endure another online date.
But that’s not all—Gen Z is also steering clear of reboots and adaptations. A surprising 56 percent prefer original stories over franchise fare.
Interestingly, s*xual activity rates have been on the decline for years, with Gen Z leading the trend. According to the outlet, Psychology Today reports that they’re having s*x less frequently and with fewer partners compared to previous generations.
This study gained relevance with the heated debate sparked by Jennifer Lawrence’s 2023 flick No Hard Feelings. The Oscar-winning actress’s NSFW scene has been a hot topic, with many questioning if it was really necessary.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Winter’s Bone & Other Flicks Are More Relatable for Gen Z?
Jennifer Lawrence’s foray into raunchy comedy with No Hard Feelings might not hit the right note with today’s Gen Z, who seem to be steering clear of explicit content. Instead, it’s her highest-rated flick, Winter’s Bone (Rotten Tomatoes), that is likely to strike a chord with today’s younger audiences.
During her last year’s chat with Variety, Lawrence and co-star Andrew Barth Feldman delved into the making of the film, particularly a scene where the actress appears fully n*de on a beach. Far from being daunted, she took the scene in stride, remarking:
Everyone in my life and my team is doing the right thing and going, ‘Are you sure? Are you sure? Are you sure?’ I didn’t even have a second thought. It was hilarious to me.
She noted that the scene demanded “a lot of rehearsal” and a full day of shooting, while Feldman described the experience as “entirely professional”. Despite its bold humor, No Hard Feelings found success, earning over $87 million worldwide against a $45 million budget (Box Office Mojo).
Yet, when it comes to creating a lasting impact, Lawrence’s performance in Winter’s Bone is the real heavyweight. This earlier work shows off her dramatic chops and earned her an Academy Award nomination. Helmed by Debra Granik, the film is often seen as more substantial and poignant.
Lawrence’s dramatic credentials extend beyond Winter’s Bone. Her documentary Bread and Roses, which she produced, shed light on the struggles of Afghan women under Taliban rule.
In Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Lawrence won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Tiffany. Then there’s Mother!, which saw her deliver a haunting performance in Darren Aronofsky’s surreal psychological thriller.
While the actress has shown she can tickle the funny bone in films like Don’t Look Up and No Hard Feelings, it’s her intense roles that really hit the sweet spot with audiences and critics alike. For Gen Z viewers seeking a more impactful cinematic experience, Lawrence’s dramatic works are a must-see.
No Hard Feelings is currently streaming on Netflix.
