Friendship (2024)

Plot Summary: Suburban dad Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson) becomes obsessed with new neighbor Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd). A quirky bromance spirals into a cringe-filled, emotional unraveling as Craig struggles with boundaries and rejection.

Director & Writer: Andrew DeYoung
Producer(s): Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, Johnny Holland, Nick Weidenfeld
Music: Keegan DeWitt
Cinematography: Andy Rydzewski
Editing: Sophie Corra

Starring:
Tim Robinson as Craig Waterman
Paul Rudd as Austin Carmichael
Kate Mara as Tami Waterman
Jack Dylan Grazer as Steven Waterman
Josh Segarra, Billy Bryk, Jason Veaseyand others

 

***SPOILER ALERT***

A Wild Ride into Unhinged Genius

Alright, instant noodles, shrimp flavor, done. Now for the actual love letter to Friendship, that magnificent, fucked-up black comedy that quite literally brought Tim Robinson into my life. Andrew DeYoung, you absolute legend, you nailed this one! What initially felt like a stumbling, bad buddy comedy featuring an actor trying a little too hard to be funny, unexpectedly pivots into something else entirely, something so utterly, wonderfully unhinged. And Tim Robinson's character? He's a certifiable, borderline personality undiagnosed candidate, a man utterly devoid of emotional maturity and possessing social skills so poor it's almost a disability. My wife and I picked this for the Paul Rudd factor, but make no mistake, this film is Tim Robinson's to carry, and good lord, does he deliver. Rudd, of course, is fantastic too; that jail scene is a masterclass in unexpected hilarity.

The Glorious Tapestry of Painful Laughter

The comedic brilliance of this film is in its fearless blend: deadpan, slapstick, awkwardness, cringe-inducing moments, pitch-black humor, and subtle jabs you might miss on the first pass. There's a treasure trove of comedic gold here: those bizarre nosebleeds of pure excitement, the most unexpected psychedelic trip that somehow deepens the already complex craziness of Craig, and the unforgettable sewer incident, which, for me, was the absolute turning point, when everything started to click and make horrifying sense as a cohesive whole. That brief stint as a Parking Inspector... idk, the list just goes on, man. Seriously, there's major replay value here because you'll approach Craig with an entirely new perspective on a second watch, guaranteed to catch moments you completely missed the first time around.

Sound, Vision, and a Perfect Bow

Beyond the laughs, the movie boasts some really well-chosen musical "hits" that appear briefly but always perfectly nail and elevate the scene. And bro, then there's "Cop Killer" by John Maus. I fucking love this lo-fi artist, and that song was on repeat in my car for ages. The minute it hit for just a few seconds during that fucked-up sewer scene, I instantly recognized it. Goosebumps. The cinematography also has some genuinely fantastic moments, complemented by bold, cool edits that collectively elevate this movie to bona fide new comedy classic status. And the ending? What I consider absolutely perfect. It starts with that big, bold "FRIENDSHIP" title on the cover, and it wraps up the entire wild ride with a knowing wink of an eye, ready to deliver its comedic punch to the next unsuspecting aficionado. Don't just take my word for it; for once, the online critics seem to be on my side and absolutely adore this comedy. So do yourself a favor: stay curious, and just go watch this!

🎥 Cinematography (9/10):

Visually sharp with some bold, surprising edits that elevate the absurdity.

📖 Story (8/10):

Starts simple, spirals into chaos—unexpected, layered, and bizarrely coherent.

🎬 Direction (10/10):

Andrew DeYoung steers madness with precision—controlled chaos at its finest.

👥 Characters (9/10):

Craig might be the most unhinged comedy character in years and I love him for it.

💥 Visual Effects (7/10):

All cool.

🎭 Acting (8/10):

Tim Robinson is terrifyingly brilliant. Paul Rudd adds balance and charm.

💬 Dialogue (8/10):

Awkward, funny, unfiltered.

🌍 Setting/Atmosphere (8/10):

Suburban hell meets surreal fever dream.

🎵 Music (9/10):

Banger needle drops.

😄 Entertainment Value (10/10):

Wild, uncomfortable, hilarious. A future cult classic for sure.