Friendship

Being an adult comes with a lot of cool things, but having been one for quite a while now, let me tell you—it’s not as great as it sounded when I was a kid. Responsibilities are a buzzkill, and when you need to unwind, one of the worst parts of adulthood is how hard it is to make friends. Instead, we end up hanging out with co-workers or trying to force friendships, because, let’s be honest, life is better with friends. Andrew DeYoung’s new film Friendship is kind of about that struggle—but it’s also a warning. A warning about who you let into your friend circle.

Craig (Tim Robinson) lives a pretty uneventful life. He’s got a good job, a lovely wife named Tami (Kate Mara), and his biggest accomplishment lately is getting speed bumps installed on his street. Everything changes when a package is accidentally delivered to his house. When Craig brings it to the rightful owner, he meets his future best friend. That man is Austin (Paul Rudd)—cool, calm, collected, and a local TV weatherman. Craig is instantly taken by Austin, and Austin seems to like him too, even inviting Craig to hang out with his group of friends.

But that’s where things go sideways. Craig doesn’t exactly mesh with the group, and pretty soon Austin breaks the news—they can’t be friends anymore. This sends Craig into a downward spiral, and the loss of that budding friendship leads him to risk everything in his life.

Written and directed by Andrew DeYoung, Friendship is a fun and sharp script that isn’t just a one-and-done watch—it’s the kind of movie you’ll want to revisit. A big part of what makes it work is how relatable it is in a hilariously awkward way. DeYoung nails the feeling of human disappointment when a friendship falls apart, especially as an adult. I felt this one. Like I said, making friends as a grown-up is tough, and who wants to put in that kind of effort just to watch it fail?

Friendship often feels inventive, delivering hilarious comedy while showcasing its lead. Tim Robinson is a force—he gives a comic masterclass here. He makes you both sympathize with and cringe at Craig, playing the part with physical and verbal comedy that hits every beat. Robinson really understands this character, and we as the audience can’t get enough.

The cast overall is pitch-perfect. Rudd and Mara are excellent, offering the perfect contrast to Robinson’s chaotic energy. Friendship is a must-see, especially in a packed theater, where the laughs are infectious and even bigger. It’s one of the funniest movies you’ll see this year and feels destined for cult classic status. Whether or not it hits close to home for you, one thing’s for sure—it’s a really good time at the movies.