FRIENDSHIP is a 2024 comedy drama film written and directed by Andrew DeYoung in his directorial debut. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8th, 2024, as part of the festival's Midnight Madness program.
Suburban dad Craig falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor, as Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.
The cast includes Paul Rudd, Tim Robinson, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Josh Segarra, and Billy Bryk.
FRIENDSHIP made its debut in theaters May 2025, courtesy of A24.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record by now, but I will always make sure my ass is in a theater seat for opening day of any movie A24 slaps their good name on. Plus the excitement level is just that much higher when you add in the fact that one of my favorite comedic actors Paul Rudd is one of the stars of the film. Early feedback for FRIENDSHIP seemed to draw comparisons to a darker take on the film I Love You Man, which also starred Paul Rudd, and I was intrigued by this as I am a big fan of that movie as well.
First of all, I absolutely loved this movie. Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson are on fire here, and easily one of my favorite comedic tandems as of late. Paul Rudd is my guy, but I honestly wasn’t super familiar with Robinson before seeing this movie, and man let me just say he shot up my list for sure. Reading up on him it seems that his style is “cringe comedy” and to say he is a technician would be an understatement. Kate Mara is fantastic here as well, and I really liked Jack Dylan Glazer’s performance. FRIENDSHIP is absolutely hilarious, and even though I lost count of how many times I laughed-out-loud at the theater, I added to it by cracking up out of nowhere at home when I thought of a scene in the movie. I also saw the movie in a packed theater on opening day which was awesome, although a few times I was the only person laughing which is probably a red flag in terms of my sense of humor.
I am a huge fan of comedy films because at the end of the day we all need laughter in our lives, and what I really loved about FRIENDSHIP was just the unique blend of dark comedy and dry humor. Oftentimes I found myself laughing at nothing more than a certain look on the face of Tim Robinson’s character Craig, who seemed to be living a life straight out of an R-rated sitcom. Craig is the very impressionable “good guy” who finds himself very close to the edge thanks to personal issues and a demanding career. When he is thrust into a world he never could have imagined after meeting his new neighbor, his life will never be the same.
When the film was first announced I immediately assumed that the focus would be on this normal suburban dad who got sucked into a friendship that would ultimately derail his seemingly normal life. Now in some ways this is true, but when I watched the trailer it was obvious that the unhinged person was actually the normal guy all along. But what you soon figure out watching the film is that FRIENDSHIP is much more than initially meets the eye, and as they say it takes two to tango.
From a technical standpoint FRIENDSHIP is top-tier filmmaking and in many ways has a very arthouse feel to it which I loved. The film more often than not relies on a less-is-more approach with the camera work and editing, which allows the story and the characters the opportunity to take center stage. I had no idea who writer/director Andrew DeYoung was prior to seeing this film, but I am now certain this is a talented dude who just gets it. I also loved the soundtrack for the film as it added a ton to the overall feel.
Although the film is packed with cringeworthy moments thanks to some fantastic writing and next-level situational comedy, it was so much fun watching how the two main characters influenced each other leading to a wild and though-provoking climax. I loved the film from start to finish, but I will warn you that some people may have an issue with the end of the film as it will leave you wanting more. For me FRIENDSHIP is one of those films that creates a very engaging narrative and gives you a ton to think about, but by the end leaves viewers having to piece together the actual “ending” themselves.
Now I understand the I Love You Man comparisons, but FRIENDSHIP is also very different in the sense that it is as much about what is left unsaid. This is a movie that takes a different approach in terms of a traditional comedy, mainly because it attempts to connect with audiences on a deeper level instead of just tying things together in a neat little bow at the conclusion of the film. In many ways FRIENDSHIP is a character study focusing on the insecurities that plague us well into adulthood. On the surface it seems that Craig is the one with the problems who ropes his neighbor Austin into his tornado of bad decisions, but when you dig deeper you realize both men are equally damaged. Craig is navigating an identity crisis, and Austin is struggling with self-worth and what seems to be a mid-life crisis. Both men meet at a crossroads in their respective lives and careers, leading to a volatile yet hilarious and life-altering friendship.
THE VERDICT
A laugh-out-loud hilarious and irresistibly cringeworthy dark comedy featuring stellar performances from Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson, FRIENDSHIP is a unique take on the absurd complexities of male bonding during adulthood. All I can say is do not dismiss this as just another comedy because it really is so much more than that. I give writer and director Andrew DeYoung all of the credit in the world because this man really created something special with FRIENDSHIP, and going forward I will be sure to support any other projects he works on.
TED TAKES RATING - 9.2/10
FRIENDSHIP is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.