When was the last time you experienced uncontrollable laughter during a comedy? Not just a few chuckles, but tears streaming down your face, aching sides, completely losing yourself in the moment? As part of this year’s Midnight Madness program at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, such a film premiered, and it stands out as one of the most hilarious comedies recently released: writer-director Andrew DeYoung’s Friendship.
1. What Is “Friendship” About?
Tim Robinson stars as Craig Waterman, a somewhat mundane suburban father and husband. Craig dresses in a uniform style from a single retailer, works at a company that makes brands more addictive, and one of his proudest moments includes installing a speed bump in his neighborhood.
Craig maintains few acquaintances, opting instead to spend quality time at home with his wife, Tami (Kate Mara), and son, Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer). However, everything changes when Craig mistakenly delivers a package to his new neighbor, Brian (Paul Rudd), whom he sees as the coolest person he’s ever encountered.
Brian is a local weatherman known for his moustache, punk band, and adventurous spirit in exploring the town’s sewers. Craig’s desire to impress Brian and match his coolness may lead to unexpected complications and long-lasting repercussions.
Friendship marks DeYoung’s directorial debut after his previous work on series like The Other Two, Our Flag Means Death, and Pen15. He noted during a post-screening Q&A that the film was about 90% scripted, with the lead role tailored specifically for Robinson, showcasing DeYoung’s ability to capture a comedian’s voice.
DeYoung aimed to shoot the film inspired by Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master, and given the relationship dynamics between Craig and Brian, this approach feels natural. In many ways, it serves as a comedic counterpart to PTA’s film.
2. Is Tim Robinson the Next Big Thing?
Friendship shares the same quirky vibe as I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, yet it feels more cohesive than a random assortment of sketches. Regulars from ITYSL, Conner O’Malley and Whitmer Thomas, also make notable appearances. DeYoung’s sharp humor and themes focus on Craig’s gradual downfall as he struggles to fit in and impress others.
Every scene cleverly propels the story forward while highlighting Craig’s need for acceptance, all with a humorous twist.
Robinson’s delivery throughout makes Friendship exceptionally funny. His unique inflection and approach infuse humor into every line and scenario.
Rather than relying on overt gags, the film places Robinson in typically serious situations, allowing him to infuse them with his own comedic style.
In his first substantial film role (apologies to Ugly Sonic in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers), Robinson vividly enhances each scene with his unique viewpoint, leading to some delightfully bizarre moments.
For instance, his interactions with Brian and his friends are so eccentric that laughter is inevitable. One of the film’s standout scenes revolves around Craig’s experimentation with psychedelics, providing unexpected comedic turns.
Friendship showcases Robinson’s potential as a comedy film star, proving his ability to elevate any scene beyond its written form.
The supporting cast delivers strong performances, typically playing their roles straight while finding humor in their situations.
Rudd excels as the ideal friend to Robinson’s Craig, though he might not be as cool as Craig believes. Rudd embodies Brian with an earnestness, and his character’s growing frustration with Craig adds depth to their relationship.
Another challenging role belongs to Tami, Craig’s wife, portrayed by Mara. She plays a straightforward, grounded character navigating her husband’s eccentricities.
This could easily be a thankless role, yet Mara brings it to life. Grazer shines as Craig and Tami’s son, revealing facets of his character that keep the audience intrigued.
DeYoung intricately weaves multiple storylines into the narrative, suggesting that while we focus on Craig and Brian, other characters also have their lives and stories affecting this chaotic suburban setting.
3. Is “Friendship” one of the Greatest Comedies of Recent Times?
Amid the trend of many comedies heading straight to streaming services, Friendship makes a case for the unique experience of watching such films in theaters, ideally with a packed audience.
The Midnight Madness screening was filled with devoted Robinson fans who relished every moment (who else would cheer for an O’Malley cameo?). If released theatrically, this offbeat comedy could cultivate a dedicated cult following.
It reminded me of the initial screenings of iconic comedies like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy or Bridesmaids, where the audience’s reactions were palpable and infectious.
Although Friendship might be too unconventional to achieve massive success, it is sure to gather passionate fans who will quote it for years to come. It would be a shame for audiences to miss out on that theatrical experience if it were to go directly to streaming.
Friendship appears to be on the verge of becoming the next cult comedy phenomenon, thanks to Robinson’s masterful scene exploration and DeYoung’s whimsical writing that aligns perfectly with the actors’ strengths.
4. About Friendship
Friendship is a 2024 American comedy film, written and directed by Andrew DeYoung in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Josh Segarra, and Billy Bryk.
The film had its world premiere on September 8, 2024, at the Toronto International Film Festival, as part of the festival’s Midnight Madness program.
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