You Hurt My Feelings (2023) Movie Review

Set against the backdrop of a literary and artsy New York City, Holofcener's portrayal is rich in details, offering a glimpse into a specific lifestyle. However, the emotional truths she unveils resonate universally. Her talent for extracting witty and genuinely authentic performances from her actors, especially the lead, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is evident.

Reuniting nearly a decade after their collaboration on "Enough Said," Holofcener and Louis-Dreyfus appear to be in perfect sync once again. Holofcener brings out a side of Louis-Dreyfus that is understated and emotionally raw, showcasing a different facet of the "Seinfeld" and "Veep" star while retaining her comedic timing.

The film revolves around seemingly trivial issues that, when experienced personally, become monumental. Holofcener delves into the insecurities faced by creative individuals when sharing something personal with the world. The fear of exposure and the anticipation of criticism are vividly portrayed. With 30 years of filmmaking experience, Holofcener explores not only the specific challenges of creative expression but also touches on our general tendency to avoid brutal honesty to spare someone's feelings or sidestep awkward confrontations.

In essence, "You Hurt My Feelings" explores the hypothetical scenario of discovering what others truly think about us, shedding light on the impact when people cease to be polite and start expressing their genuine opinions. The film, featuring an impressive supporting cast, including members from "Succession," delves into the consequences of embracing unfiltered honesty.

Beth, a novelist and writing professor at The New School, completes her latest book and eagerly awaits feedback from her agent. She shares her anxieties with her supportive therapist husband, Don, played by Tobias Menzies. However, things take a painful turn when Beth overhears Don confessing to someone that he thinks her new novel is terrible. Julia Louis-Dreyfus skillfully portrays the complex emotions of this moment, blending humor with the deep hurt Beth experiences as decades of trust crumble in seconds.

The movie includes an interesting choice in casting with Michaela Watkins playing Beth’s younger sister, Sarah. Watkins delivers a standout line, expressing the common practice of telling small lies to spare feelings. The film explores the theme of being polite, contrasting extreme honesty through therapy sessions with a blunt married couple, played by David Cross and Amber Tamblyn. Holofcener also showcases the pitfalls of passive-aggressive behavior through Beth and Sarah’s mother, played by Jeannie Berlin.

Throughout the film, Holofcener, known for her work in "Lovely & Amazing," "Friends with Money," and "Please Give," skillfully blends humor and wisdom in her cringe comedy. "You Hurt My Feelings" is engaging and well-paced, perhaps a bit too short as it swiftly captivates the audience. The underlying message seems to be that honesty, though uncomfortable initially, is better in the long term—a theme that, in Holofcener's films and real life, proves to be more nuanced than a simple solution.

The movie is currently in theaters.