PLOT: In a suburban landscape, Tim Robinson plays a father intent on developing a close-knit friendship with his charming new neighbor, portrayed by Paul Rudd.
REVIEW: This film marks my inaugural dive into Tim Robinson’s work—having heard countless recommendations for his series I Think You Should Leave, it always hovered in my periphery without making it onto my watchlist. Stepping into Friendship, I was practically a blank canvas, completely unaware of the rollercoaster that awaited me. The experience was nothing short of uproariously cringe-worthy, and I embraced every second of it.
However, this brand of humor may not land well with all audiences. As I nestled into my seat among a bustling crowd, I could sense a wave of discomfort washing over those around me; my reaction involved sinking deeper into my seat, head buried in my hands, whispering “no, no, no” with exaggerated enthusiasm. The film undeniably stirs intense emotions in its viewers.
Tim Robinson takes on the role of an awkward suburbanite who, despite his idiosyncrasies, manages to be wed to the stunning Kate Mara. Her character tolerates his eccentricities while navigating a job that appears designed to ramp up smartphone dependency. The narrative shifts dramatically with the arrival of Paul Rudd’s character, Austin Carmichael, a charismatic weatherman, next door, whose friendliness quickly captivates Robinson’s character.
Rudd leverages his charming persona effectively, illuminating why Robinson’s character is so eager for his validation. Initially, the film presents what seems like a delightful indie portrayal of a bromance, reminiscent of I Love You Man. However, it swiftly evolves into something far more unorthodox.
Fresh off its debut at TIFF, Friendship was quickly acquired by A24, a savvy choice, hinting at its potential to achieve cult classic status over time. Despite some moments eliciting intense awkwardness, the laughter it invokes is genuinely infectious. The film is laced with dialogue ripe for virality, and characters like a young drug dealer named T-Boy may inspire themed costumes for fan gatherings.
Additionally, Friendship explores the nuances of adult male friendships, touching on the challenges many face as they attempt to connect in maturity. This portrayal resonates deeply with those who often seek solace in familial bonds as they grow older. Some viewers might find parallels between Robinson’s character’s fervent admiration for Rudd and their own, albeit less exaggerated, attempts at friendship.
The supporting cast shines brightly as well; Kate Mara’s performance is both warm and comedic, lending depth to her character, who possesses a rare mix of agency and humor for a role typically seen in a comedic context. Jack Dylan Grazer, portraying Robinson’s effortlessly cool son, brings an awkward dynamic with his attractive mother that adds layers of hilarity.
The film generated palpable buzz at TIFF’s Midnight Madness, even securing the runner-up position in its category, and continued to impress audiences at SXSW. Directed with a distinct flair by Andrew DeYoung (Our Flag Means Death), the film is accompanied by an entrancing score from Keegan Dewitt. It’s hard not to appreciate the humor when the film opens with a synth wave cover of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s iconic theme from Merry Christmas, Mister Lawrence. If that made you smile, chances are this movie will resonate with you. Although it may cater to a niche audience, I anticipate Friendship will draw a broader fanbase in the coming years.
