Friendship (2024)

A deep dive into friendship (2024) Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd’s hilarious yet uncomfortable exploration of male friendship that’s quickly becoming a cult classic.

Promotional poster for the movie 'Friendship' featuring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. The title 'Friendship' is displayed prominently in bold yellow text above the two characters standing together outdoors. The characters are dressed in winter jackets, with Robinson holding a drink and a phone. The tagline reads, 'Men shouldn't have friends.' — Official poster for ‘Friendship’ (2024), featuring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd exploring the complexities of male friendship.

Meta Description

Discover everything about “Friendship” (2024), the critically acclaimed A24 dark comedy starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd that explores the awkward dynamics of male connection through cringe comedy and surprising depth.

Introduction
Movie Overview
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Cast and Characters
Production and Direction
Themes and Symbolism
Critical Reception
Awards and Nominations
Fun Facts and Trivia
Where to Watch
Conclusion
Related Content

Introduction Friendship (2024)

In a cinematic landscape filled with formulaic comedies, A24’s “Friendship” (2024) emerges as a breath of fresh, albeit uncomfortably stale, air. Directed by Andrew DeYoung in his feature directorial debut, the film stars the comedic powerhouse duo of Tim Robinson (“I Think You Should Leave”) and Paul Rudd (“Ant-Man”) in what can only be described as a masterclass in cringe comedy that transcends the genre’s typical boundaries.

“Friendship” isn’t just a comedy—it’s an unflinching examination of male loneliness, social awkwardness, and the desperate need for connection in modern suburbia. Released in May 2025 after generating substantial buzz at the Toronto International Film Festival and SXSW, the film has quickly developed a devoted following thanks to its unique blend of painfully awkward humor and surprising emotional depth.

For anyone who’s ever experienced the unique discomfort of trying too hard to make a new friend as an adult, “Friendship” offers both cringeworthy recognition and cathartic laughter, cementing its place as one of the year’s most distinctive and memorable comedy offerings.

Movie Overview Friendship (2024)

Detail	Information
Title	Friendship
Release Date	May 9, 2025 (Limited)
Director	Andrew DeYoung
Genre	Comedy
Runtime	1h 40m
Rating	R (Language, Some Drug Content)
Cast	Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Rick Worthy
Production Companies	A24, BoulderLight Pictures, Fifth Season
Budget	Estimated $5-10 million
Box Office	$1,285,097 (as of May 2025)
IMDb Rating	7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score	89% (Critics), 78% (Audience)
Language	English
Country of Origin	United States
Streaming Platforms	Currently in theaters; coming to Max later in 2025

Plot Summary Friendship (2024) (No Spoilers)

“Friendship” introduces us to Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson), a socially awkward suburban dad and marketing executive whose life is proceeding down a predictable, if somewhat uninspiring, path. Working at a public relations firm, Craig has a wife named Tami (Kate Mara), a cancer survivor who runs a flower shop, and a teenage son, Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer). On the surface, Craig enjoys the simple pleasures of life—his New Balance shoes, Subway sandwiches, and Marvel movies—but beneath this mundane exterior lies a man struggling with isolation and a desperate need for validation.

When charismatic weatherman Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd) moves into the neighborhood, Craig becomes immediately and intensely fixated on befriending him. Austin represents everything Craig isn’t—confident, cool, socially adept—and Craig’s attempts to forge a connection with his new neighbor quickly spiral from eager to obsessive.

What begins as normal neighborly interactions soon transforms into a one-sided infatuation as Craig attempts increasingly desperate and inappropriate measures to insert himself into Austin’s life. As Craig’s behavior becomes more erratic, the boundaries between earnest friendship-seeking and unhealthy obsession blur, threatening his relationship with his family and pushing Austin’s patience to its limits.

The film expertly balances laugh-out-loud moments with uncomfortable tension as Craig’s social missteps accumulate and his grasp on appropriate social boundaries continues to slip. As his relationship with Austin takes increasingly bizarre turns, “Friendship” evolves from a simple comedy of errors into a surprisingly insightful examination of male loneliness, insecurity, and the fundamental human need for connection.

Key Themes Friendship (2024)

The challenges of forming authentic adult male friendships
Social anxiety and the desperation for validation
The thin line between enthusiasm and obsession
Suburban isolation and midlife identity crises

Cast and Characters Friendship (2024)

Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson in a scene from Friendship

Tim Robinson as Craig Waterman Friendship (2024)

In what many critics are calling his breakthrough film performance, Tim Robinson brings his signature blend of manic energy and painful awkwardness to the role of Craig. Known primarily for his cult hit Netflix sketch show “I Think You Should Leave,” Robinson extends his uniquely uncomfortable comedic style to feature length with remarkable effectiveness. His portrayal of Craig—a man whose desperate need to be liked manifests in increasingly erratic behavior—walks a fine line between hilarious and heartbreaking, making viewers cringe and empathize in equal measure.

Paul Rudd as Austin Carmichael

Paul Rudd delivers a perfectly calibrated performance as the charming weatherman Austin. Drawing on his natural likability and impeccable comedic timing, Rudd creates a character who is both remarkably patient with Craig’s antics and increasingly disturbed by them. As the reluctant object of Craig’s friendship obsession, Rudd serves as the straight man to Robinson’s chaos while bringing depth to what could have been a one-dimensional role.

Kate Mara as Tami Waterman

Kate Mara brings warmth and dimension to Tami, Craig’s wife who has survived cancer and now runs a flower shop. Far from being a simple background character, Mara’s Tami has her own life and interests, including a close platonic relationship with her firefighter ex-boyfriend Devon (Josh Segarra). Mara excels at conveying both exasperation with Craig’s behavior and the underlying affection that keeps their marriage intact.

Jack Dylan Grazer as Steven Waterman

Rising young actor Jack Dylan Grazer (“IT,” “Shazam!”) plays Craig and Tami’s teenage son Steven. Grazer perfectly embodies the mortified teenager watching his father’s embarrassing spiral, adding another layer of relatable discomfort to the film’s family dynamics.

Supporting Cast

The film features a strong ensemble of supporting players, including Rick Worthy as Mr. Mendoza, Whitmer Thomas as Ian, Josh Segarra as Devon, Jon Glaser as Big Sam, and Carmen Christopher as Jimp. Each adds distinctive color to the suburban world that Craig is desperately trying to navigate.

Production and Direction Friendship (2024)

“Friendship” marks the feature directorial debut of Andrew DeYoung, who also wrote the screenplay. Previously known for his work on acclaimed television comedies like “PEN15,” “Dave,” and “Shrill,” DeYoung brings a confident visual style that elevates what could have been a simple comedy into something more cinematically distinctive.

The film was shot in New York City between January and February 2024, with production handled by BoulderLight Pictures and Fifth Season before being acquired by A24 at the Toronto International Film Festival for distribution. A24 reportedly paid “low seven figures” for the US distribution rights after the film’s enthusiastic reception at TIFF’s Midnight Madness section.

DeYoung’s direction is notable for its visual approach to cringe comedy. Rather than relying solely on dialogue and performance to create uncomfortable moments, he employs techniques more commonly associated with psychological thrillers: intense close-ups that gradually zoom out, a washed-out color palette, and deliberate pacing that builds tension. This stylistic choice serves to heighten the audience’s discomfort during Craig’s more transgressive moments while maintaining the film’s comedic tone.

Cinematographer Andy Rydzewski deserves particular credit for the film’s distinctive look, which several critics have noted as unusually accomplished for a comedy. The suburban setting is captured with a slightly detached, almost clinical eye that emphasizes Craig’s isolation within his seemingly idyllic environment.

The music by composer Keegan DeWitt complements the film’s tone perfectly, alternating between upbeat accompaniment for Craig’s friendship-seeking montages and more unsettling compositions as his behavior becomes increasingly concerning.

Themes and Symbolism Friendship (2024)

Beyond its surface comedy, “Friendship” offers a surprisingly nuanced exploration of contemporary masculinity and connection. The film delves into several key themes:

Male Loneliness and Connection

At its core, “Friendship” examines the difficulty many adult men face in forming genuine friendships. Craig’s desperate attempts to connect with Austin reflect a broader social phenomenon: the isolation many men experience as they age and traditional friendship structures disappear. The film suggests that without proper emotional tools or social scripts for male bonding, attempts at connection can become awkward or even toxic.

Identity and Validation

Craig’s obsession with Austin stems partly from his own insecurities about his identity. Austin represents everything Craig believes he lacks: confidence, popularity, and a sense of purpose. Through Craig’s increasingly desperate attempts to befriend Austin, the film explores how we sometimes seek external validation rather than addressing our internal dissatisfaction.

Suburban Conformity vs. Authenticity

The pristine suburban setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it represents the constrained social environment that exacerbates Craig’s feelings of inadequacy. The film contrasts the superficial interactions of suburban life with the messier reality of authentic connection, suggesting that genuine relationships require vulnerability that social conventions often discourage.

The Dark Side of Admiration

As Craig’s interest in Austin crosses boundaries, the film examines how admiration can transform into unhealthy obsession. This progression serves as a subtle commentary on celebrity culture and parasocial relationships, where one-sided “connections” can feel deceptively real to those experiencing them.

Critical Reception Friendship (2024)

“Friendship” has garnered strong reviews from critics, earning an impressive 89% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have particularly praised the performances of Robinson and Rudd, as well as DeYoung’s assured direction.

The critical consensus on Rotten Tomatoes states: “Tim Robinson expands his exquisitely painful cringe comedy style to feature length with seamless results in Friendship, a toxic bromance that’ll make audiences laugh and wince in equal measure.”

Many reviews highlight the film’s success at extending Robinson’s sketch comedy sensibilities to feature length without losing steam. The Hollywood Reporter called it a “squirmy bro-com” that “finds unexpectedly poignant notes amid the discomfort,” while Roger Ebert’s website praised Robinson’s “hyperactive sketch-comedy persona” while noting moments of “surprising vulnerability.”

Some critics have noted that the film’s runtime occasionally tests viewers’ patience with Craig’s behavior, which becomes increasingly difficult to watch as it progresses. However, most agree that the film’s tonal balancing act—maintaining comedy while exploring genuinely uncomfortable behavior—is largely successful.

Audience reception has been similarly positive, with many viewers appreciating the film’s willingness to push boundaries while remaining fundamentally empathetic toward its flawed protagonist. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes currently stands at 78%, with viewers calling it “laugh-out-loud funny” and “a cringe man hug that feels uncomfortably right.”

Awards and Nominations Friendship (2024)

While “Friendship” was only released in May 2025 and has not yet been eligible for major awards, it has already received recognition at film festivals:

SXSW Film Festival 2025: Audience Award Winner – Headliner
Toronto International Film Festival 2024: People’s Choice Award – Midnight Madness Runner-Up

The film is likely to be considered for comedy categories in upcoming awards seasons, with particular attention to Robinson’s breakthrough performance and DeYoung’s direction and screenplay.

Fun Facts and Trivia Friendship (2024)

Robinson’s Expansion: “Friendship” marks Tim Robinson’s first leading role in a feature film after gaining a cult following with his Netflix sketch comedy series “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson.”
Collaborative History: Director Andrew DeYoung previously collaborated with Tim Robinson on “I Think You Should Leave,” directing several episodes of the sketch comedy series.
Production Timeline: The film was shot over just 25 days in New York City during January and February 2024, with a relatively modest budget typical of indie comedies.
Festival Journey: After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, “Friendship” generated significant buzz and was acquired by A24 for distribution, leading to screenings at SXSW before its theatrical release.
Improvisational Elements: While the script was tightly written, both Robinson and Rudd were given freedom to improvise in certain scenes, leading to some of the film’s most memorable comedic moments.
The Toad Scene: One of the film’s most discussed sequences involving Craig, Austin, and an unfortunate amphibian was reportedly almost cut from the film before test audiences responded positively to it.
Box Office Success: Despite its limited release in just 6 theaters initially, “Friendship” broke records for the highest per-theater average for a limited release in 2025, taking in $75,430 per theater during its opening weekend.

Where to Watch Friendship (2024)

As of May 2025, “Friendship” is currently playing in select theaters across the United States with a limited release strategy typical of A24 films. The theatrical rollout began with just 6 theaters on May 9, 2025, before expanding to more locations based on strong initial performance.

For those looking to watch the film:

Theatrical Release: Check local theaters and services like Fandango, AMC Theatres, and Atom Tickets for current showtimes in your area.
Future Streaming: As an A24 production, “Friendship” is expected to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) following its theatrical window, likely in late 2025 or early 2026 based on typical release patterns for A24 films.
Digital Rental/Purchase: While not currently available, the film will eventually be released for digital rental and purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu.
Physical Media: A physical media release including Blu-ray and DVD is expected several months after the theatrical run concludes.

For the most authentic experience, catching “Friendship” in theaters is recommended, as the communal viewing experience enhances both the comedy and discomfort the film aims to evoke.

Conclusion

“Friendship” represents a significant achievement in contemporary comedy filmmaking, successfully translating the uncomfortable humor of Tim Robinson’s sketch work to feature length while adding surprising emotional depth. Andrew DeYoung’s assured direction and the perfect chemistry between Robinson and Rudd elevate what could have been a one-note cringe comedy into something more substantial—a thoughtful exploration of male connection in an age of isolation.

The film’s willingness to make viewers squirm while still maintaining empathy for its deeply flawed protagonist speaks to a maturity in storytelling that rises above typical comedy fare. By focusing on the painful awkwardness of adult friendship-making, “Friendship” taps into a universal experience rarely depicted so honestly on screen.

Whether you’re a fan of Tim Robinson’s particular brand of anxiety-inducing comedy or simply interested in films that push the boundaries of the comedy genre, “Friendship” offers a unique and memorable viewing experience that will likely have you alternating between covering your eyes in secondhand embarrassment and laughing out loud at its surprisingly tender core.

Friendship (2024): A Cringe-Comedy Masterpiece Exploring Modern Male Connection