Jennifer Lawrences Co-Stars Respond To Criticism Over Creepy Movie Plot

Vanity Fair described the film as the perfect comeback for J. Law, serving as a reminder of why audiences fell in love with her in the first place. But other outlets, including the Independent and Rolling Stone, have been more critical of the R-rated comedy particularly the execution of its controversial storyline.

Needless to say, some fans and critics have taken issue with the premise, namely the age difference between the two leads, which has been described as creepy.

Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti who play Percys parents in the movie addressed the criticism of the plot, saying that their characters insane actions are a cautionary tale for overbearing parents.

I feel like it is a very satirical look at what can happen if you do not give your children a longer leash to figure things out for themselves, she added. Otherwise, youre going to end up curating their life forever.

I guess what happens is when a kid goes off to school, its so frightening that theyll be happy and theyll make friends and theyll take care of themselves that some parents go to any length to make that transition work, he said. And its a hard time. But you really have to let them make it on their own. But these parents decide to mess with nature.

Similarly, producer Marc Provissiero acknowledged the absurdity of the story but said it ultimately aims to raise questions about how some parents overmanage their kids lives.

Its parents overstepping their bounds, for sure, he said. Its not that far removed from actual parenting choices. You want to do everything you can for your kid. Wheres the line?

The films director, Gene Stupnitsky, wrote the movie after a fellow producer made him aware of a real Craigslist ad from two parents in search of someone to date their inexperienced son. He didnt reach out to the original posters of the ad, saying that it didnt really matter what happened and if anyone answered it.

It goes the other way too, he said. We took great pains to be careful about the ick factor because it could go that way. We took a humanist approach, and I think thats all you can ask for.