Friendship
Tim Robinson’s Masterclass in Cringe
A painfully awkward comedy that rewards the bold.
Arguably one of the premiere practitioners of cringe comedy, Tim Robinson delivers a painfully awkward, but oftentimes hilarious comedy with Friendship. To be honest, this type of humor is best consumed in small bursts—like in sketch comedies or short skits—and one almost has to be in a certain frame of mind to enjoy a film like this.
"Robinson explores obsession and insecurity through the eyes of a man who has zero control over his impulsive thoughts."
🎬 Cast & Crew
- Director/Writer: Andrew DeYoung
- Starring: Tim Robinson (Craig), Paul Rudd (Austin)
- Supporting: Kate Mara (Tami), Jack Dylan Grazer (Steven), Josh Segarra
- Cinematography: Andy Rydzewski
- Music: Keegan DeWitt
The Director's Vision
In his feature debut, writer-director Andrew DeYoung captures the "mad-dog nebbish" energy Robinson is famous for, but stretches it to feature length. Some moments are so embarrassing that the viewer might find themselves reaching for the remote to pause the film to relieve some of the comedic tension, as one watches and laughs in morbid horror.
Sure it's cringey, but that's the point. If one wants their comedy safe and comfortable, watch a network sitcom. If one wants to watch something challenging and provoking, check Friendship out.
🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts
- Personal Origins: Director Andrew DeYoung wrote the script in 2020 and was inspired by his own real-life experience of being "iced out" of a friend group.
- Anchorman Avoidance: Paul Rudd’s character was originally named Brian in the script, but Rudd requested the name be changed to Austin to avoid confusion with his Anchorman character, Brian Fantana.
- Improv Irony: Despite the "unhinged" feel, Tim Robinson reportedly dislikes improv; however, he and Conner O’Malley did improvise their dialogue during the garage scene.
- Toad Trivia: The "Buffalo River toad" Craig licks in the film is fictional, though it is based on the real-life psychedelic Colorado River toad.
✅ Pros
- Unbeatable comedic chemistry between Robinson and the always affable Paul Rudd.
- A bold, unique take on the "dark side" of adult male friendships.
- Highly quotable for fans of I Think You Should Leave.
❌ Cons
- The intense "cringe" factor can be genuinely stressful to watch.
- Character logic occasionally breaks down at feature length.
The Performances
- Tim Robinson: Delivers a powerhouse of social abrasive energy. He fully embraces Craig's most unbearable traits without ever begging for the audience's sympathy.
- Paul Rudd: Austin is charming on the surface but has just enough edge to suggest something simmering underneath. Rudd’s "straight man" reaction to Robinson is legendary.
- Kate Mara: As Tami, Mara provides the necessary grounded, dramatic counterweight to the film’s more absurd moments.
👀 Where to Watch
Friendship (2024/2025): Now streaming exclusively on HBO Max.
Digital Rental: Available for $4.99 on Google Play and Fandango at Home.
Overall, Friendship is a successful endeavor by Robinson and Rudd. It is a "weird, wild, and unique" experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. If you can handle the discomfort, you'll find one of the funniest movies of 2025.
Final Verdict: A Turbo-Charged Cringe-Com
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