“Friendship” Review – A Darkly Funny, Unsettling Bromance on Male Inadequacy

“Friendship,” the debut feature from director Andrew DeYoung, stars Tim Robinson as Craig, a socially awkward suburban man, and Paul Rudd as Austin, his charming new neighbor.

What starts as a friendly connection quickly spirals into something much darker—exploring male loneliness, obsession, and emotional desperation.

Craig lives a modest life with his wife (Kate Mara) and teenage son. Although his wife is recovering from illness, Craig struggles to express care or find genuine bonds. When Austin, a local TV weatherman and part-time musician, moves in, Craig sees a chance at real friendship. What begins with shared beers and late-night adventures soon turns weird. Craig’s eagerness trips him—he blurts out awkward jokes, eats soap as a bizarre apology, and even breaks into Austin’s home, all in a frantic attempt to keep the friendship alive.

From light humor to unsettling moments, the film shows how fear of rejection and social missteps can destroy relationships. The tone shifts from awkward comedy to tense psychological drama as Craig’s identity unravels.

Tim Robinson’s performance captures this tragic awkwardness perfectly—Paul Rudd’s calmer, charismatic presence heightens Craig’s desperation. Their chemistry packs an emotional punch as laughter turns to tension. Scenes blend quirky visuals (a surreal mushroom trip, dramatic hallucinations) with a haunting mood, drawing comparisons to dark comedies like Fatal Attraction. That blend of cringe humor and psychological edge is what makes the film uniquely disturbing.

Critics highlight its bold take on male inadequacy—The Guardian called it “male inadequacy barbecued in Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd’s comedy bromance”. Others liken it to a spotlight on toxic male behavior—one review described it as “Fatal Attraction for bromance”, suggesting the film taps deeply into emotional insecurity.

Audiences are divided. Fans of Robinson’s sketch work I Think You Should Leave love his signature cringe style extended to feature-length—while others find it almost exhausting. The Guardian noted its sharp portrayal of modern male loneliness. Tom’s Guide praised the writing and chemistry, calling it hilarious yet unsettling and worth streaming for bold comedy lovers.

Yet, the film’s jarring tonal shifts—mixing surreal comedy with raw emotional scenes—cause split views. Some feel it tests viewer endurance, while others admire its honesty in exposing emotional fragility.

At its core, “Friendship” is less about telling a complete story and more about feeling an emotional state. It plunges viewers into Craig’s inner crumbling mind. His desperate grabs at connection, his social misfires, and his emotional breakdown feel all too human. The unsettling moments—like hallucinations or broken objects—underscore how fragile adult friendships can be when emotional immaturity takes over.

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