Friendship

While it will surely appeal to fans of Tim Robinson, who has made a reputable name for himself with such shows as I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, Detroiters, and Invincible, Andrew DeYoung’s directorial debut titled Friendship is a highly original and unexpectedly surrealist dark comedy that is destined to reach a cult following in the years to come. With his anxiety-inducing humor, the film’s setting is in a Colorado suburb. We are introduced to Craig Waterman (Robinson), who is certainly socially awkward, but we can sense he has experienced a lot of recent turmoil as his wife Tami (Kate Mara) just battled and recovered from an unspecified cancer. It’s revealed that Tami just made amends with her ex-boyfriend Devon (Josh Segarra), which leaves Craig feeling small.

Craig’s life feels very empty, but his own self-absorption and neediness certainly have a way of pushing away his family and co-workers. Craig is certainly emotionally disconnected from Tami, and while there is a bond with his son Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer), it is apparent that he is much closer with Tami. There is even a really comical gag where Devon and Steven kiss on the lips after Steven serves her nachos that throws Craig back. Craig is also humiliated in front of a therapy group session once Tami admits she has never had an orgasm. On top of it, Craig’s co-workers laugh and mock him behind his back. Craig is just as lonely as any Alexander Payne character. There are shimmers of help for him after he receives a misdelivered package that is addressed down the street to his charismatic neighbor named Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd), who happens to be the local news meteorologist.

Courtesy A24 Films

The two men quickly bond, and it doesn’t take long for the two to form a bromance filled with beer drinking, cigarette smoking, guy talk, boxing, and even taking a wild adventure through the sewer that goes through city hall. The two’s friendship feels romanticized, and that is aided by the great score by Keegan DeWitt, which adds to the tonal shifts that actually come off seamless and well-rounded. As for a comedy, the film is aesthetically impressive as it offers some very atmospheric cinematography by Andy Rydzewski that amps up the surrealist humor that defied my expectations going into this. What’s unique about this film is how Craig is the protagonist of the film; it’s as if he’s the antagonist as well. In a routine comedy, Austin would be the aggressor, and while there are some subtle traits to that, it’s Craig and his cringe behaviors that alienate the others around him. Craig is such a compelling and deeply flawed character, and Tim Robinson brings a lot of emotional layers, and DeYoung’s writing offers some impressive character work. Craig’s antics, which include showing up to Austin’s work unexpectedly, breaking Austin’s door glass, and sucker-punching him in a play boxing match in front of Austin’s friends, force Austin to disassociate himself from Craig. In which Craig doesn’t take it so well because he never felt as confident or as adventurous as he did with his brief friendship with Craig.

Craig’s journey goes in downtrodden circles of demise and growth. Just when you think there’s an emotional payoff of Craig redeeming himself, his own impulses reinforce his deepest imperfections. While there are some elements in the narrative that appear to be illogical—like how in the world Tami would even marry someone like Craig in the first place remains baffling. In some respects, the story would have worked better if Craig was divorced and alone, but in many ways, it feels like Craig is already alone, as there is a dark cloud that hovers over his relationship with Tami as they are attempting to sell their home that nobody seems to want. Even with these deep flaws, Craig is likable enough, and you find yourself making amends with his family and Austin. The film also holds some satire on the banality of current American life. Craig works a mundane job where they deliberately get people addicted to their products from their smartphones. He repeatedly expresses his joy for the recent Marvel films and requests no spoilers from anyone, as he never gets to the movies to watch them. It’s a film about a socially awkward man attempting to find his place as society and culture are now in a monoculture that he helps participate in.

Courtesy A24 FILMS

All in all, Friendship takes you in very unexpected places with its satire, narrative, and characterizations. The writing and narrative hold some uniqueness that brilliantly constructs its awkward situations that play with the bizarre nature of human friendships and relationships. What makes Robinson and Rudd click one moment and not click the next certainly carries out some refreshing scenes and exchanges that are filled with enthusiasm and discomforting tensions that make this a memorable experience. Let’s hope Robinson acts in more comedies with the same sting.

FRIENDSHIP is now playing in limited theaters and will open wide on May 23rd, 2025