Friendship
★★★★
Friendship is billed as a comedy, but it’s really a dark comedy. Unless you’re familiar with Tim Robinson’s work, you may not be prepared for the type of humor on display. I’ve only seen a few clips of his Netflix sketch series I Think You Should Leave, but after this film I’ll definitely be watching more. Robinson’s brand of humor is awkward, strange and often confrontational — not for everyone, but it worked for me.
Writer-director Andrew DeYoung made a smart choice casting Paul Rudd. Rudd has made a career out of being likable, but he’s also comfortable playing in darker spaces. Paired with Robinson, he becomes the perfect counterbalance. Their dynamic is hilarious, unpredictable and always teetering on the edge of danger.
As a man in my mid-40s, the subject matter resonated. Male friendship is a strange thing. It sustains us through life’s highs and lows, but it can also be fragile. This film captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of trying to make new connections as an adult. While I haven’t lived through the extremes portrayed by Gary (Robinson) and Austin (Rudd), the movie taps into that lingering fear of how easily things could spiral out of control.
The film also stands out because it doesn’t look or feel like a typical comedy. The direction and editing are inventive and sometimes experimental, with sequences that resemble sketch concepts as much as traditional storytelling. Not every choice works seamlessly, but when it does, it’s laugh-out-loud funny. Watching alone, I found myself genuinely laughing out loud several times — a rare thing for me.
Robinson will divide audiences. His antics and reactions will either strike you as brilliant or grating. For me, he was terrific. Rudd grounds the chaos without losing his edge. And DeYoung shows a willingness to take big creative risks. Even when the execution isn’t perfect, the boldness is refreshing.
Friendship won’t be for everyone. But for those willing to buy into its dark, off-kilter humor, it’s a hilarious and unsettling ride. More importantly, it signals that Robinson, Rudd and DeYoung are talents to keep watching. I wouldn’t be surprised if their next project gets even bigger attention.
