Bromances in film often skate between heartfelt and hilarious—but what happens when camaraderie curdles into chaos? A24's upcoming Friendship, directed by Andrew DeYoung, dives headfirst into this twisted territory. With Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson leading the charge, this darkly comedic tale promises laughs, cringes, and a mirror held up to modern masculinity. Buckle up—this isn't your average buddy flick.
Friendship follows Craig Waterman (Rudd), a suburban dad whose mundane life collides with Austin Carmichael (Robinson), a magnetic neighbor who lures him into nights of urban exploration, punk rock, and prehistoric artifact obsessions. What starts as a sweet, quirky connection soon frays as Craig's clinginess drives Austin away. Think The Odd Couple meets Single White Female, but with more flannel and existential dread.
Rudd, Hollywood's eternal nice guy, seems primed to subvert his charm as the increasingly unhinged Craig. Meanwhile, Robinson—fresh off I Think You Should Leave—brings his signature chaotic energy to Austin, a role that could blur the line between mischief and menace. DeYoung, known for blending satire with pathos (see his 2022 indie Cuddle Puddle), seems poised to dissect male loneliness with a scalpel—or perhaps a sledgehammer.
The tagline “Men shouldn't have friends” hints at a sardonic critique of societal expectations. Are male friendships doomed by pride, insecurity, or just bad Spotify playlists? A24's track record (see Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Lighthouse) suggests Friendship won't shy from uncomfortable truths.
Conclusion
Friendship could either be a dark-horse Oscar contender or a cult oddity—but with this cast and studio, betting against it feels unwise. Whether it's a cautionary tale or a comedic trainwreck, one thing's clear: We're all desperate to see Rudd and Robinson share a screen.
Personal Impressions
The premise teeters on brilliance or cliché. Rudd's pivot to neurotic obsession intrigues, but will Robinson's absurdism clash with the film's darker beats? DeYoung's gamble here is bold: Male friendships rarely get nuanced treatment in comedies. If Friendship balances laughs with gravitas, it could redefine bromances. If not? Well, at least we'll get memes.
Do you think films about male friendships often gloss over complexity, or is Friendship poised to break the mold?
