Friendship Review
The way that most people have formed friendships has constantly changed in the past few years, but one thing’s for certain: everyone can find common ground. That message seems to resonate with Andrew DeYoung, who’s making his directorial debut with A24’s Friendship. Despite what many initially thought about Friendship, this film is more than just your usual bro-medy with Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson. In fact, hidden behind the wholesomeness of it all is a tragedy about obsession, boundaries, and vulnerability.
Friendship follows normal man Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson), whose life is as dull as one might expect as an app developer. However, when Craig meets Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd) by accident, everything gets upended as the two begin opening up to each other. Though Craig and Austin slowly and surely become friends, Craig makes a move that comes off too strongly even for Austin. Now, Craig is focused on mending that bridge in any way he can.
If there’s one thing that hits hard in Friendship, it’s the way that DeYoung writes around the topic of alienation. In a time where men are too influenced by an “alpha”-mindset by figures like Andrew Tate, this film is able to subtly dissect this through that chemistry between Robinson and Rudd. Together, both actors create a heated relationship through their unique characters that captures this need for community and connection in a gripping way.
Tim Robinson, who’s still hot off I Think You Should Leave, shapes Craig to be more than just a faceless broker. Rather, he integrates his comedic chops with a pent-up micro-aggression that gradually transforms into stress that makes Craig an intriguing “protagonist”. He thinks that he’s the sort of hero in this story despite Austin’s pushbacks, but his innate desperation to fix this relationship makes Craig a more complex character than some might think.
As such, Craig’s inherent need to revel in Austin’s manly interests through moments creates this somewhat bleak undertone that adds to Friendship’s groundedness. Whether Craig and Austin are simply hanging out and rocking in a jam session or Craig putting Austin in a trouble situation, DeYoung inserts this dread, through slight visual cues, that builds this tension. Visually, this film pulls from different films like 500 Days Of Summer and I Love You, Man to make one feel that uncertainty in what Craig will do next.
Of course, given how Friendship is a comedy film, most of the bits can range from being absurdly hilarious to being legitimately uncomfortable. Through Robin’s idiosyncratic performance, some might view Craig’s rumblings and inner musings with this peculiarity that can’t help but get a laugh out of. This really works in tandem with the on-your-feet cinematography from Andy Rydzewski, whose back-and-forth shots in certain scenes between Craig and Austin can really get audiences bursting at the seams.
However, some of it can be cringe-inducing given the focus on topics at hand, but DeYoung is able to still maintain the entertainability out of these moments. In Friendship’s later scenes, Craig’s destructive personality can make some moments especially uncomfortable. DeYoung knows that the audience wants Craig to change for the better, but he’s too deep into his selfishness to be redeemed. When the film eventually comes to that moment, it genuinely feels like a heartbreaking moment that will get one really thinking about their own act.
Friendship is an hilarious, yet painstakingly tragic and relatable, comedy that successfully captures the modern idea of the manly community through Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson’s ‘brotherly’ hijinks. With this film, DeYoung has not just proven himself as a capable feature film director, but also a confident examiner of ideas that can hit close to home for most.
Friendship releases in select theaters on May 9 and everywhere on May 23.
Rating: ★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.
Friendship Review
Friendship Review