Exploring the bonds between two men isn’t a new concept by any means, but adding Tim Robinson’s chaotic comedic style into the mix allows Friendship to feel like a fresh watch. Although Robinson plays Craig, a businessman stuck in a boring life cycle, he sticks to the persona that fans of I Think You Should Leave recognise him for.

His neighbour, Austin (Paul Rudd), is a lot cooler. He doesn’t use a cell phone — or so he says. He’s in a rock band. He’s on the news. And, most importantly, he’s the composed counterpart. Things take a turn when the cracks in Craig’s personality show during a guys’ night, and he goes a little too far during a boxing challenge.

The boys’ hang culminates in one of the film’s most uncomfortable moments, as Robinson shoves a bar of soap into his mouth to punish himself for his social shortcomings. It only makes things more awkward as the men don’t quite know what to do next. After that night, Austin ultimately decides he doesn’t want to be friends anymore, leading Craig into a disastrous downward spiral.

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As director Andrew DeYoung’s debut film, it feels like a dream sequence, allowing him to use Rudd and Robinson to their full potential. The film isn’t simply a cut-and-dry “male friendship gone wrong” as The Cable Guy or other comparable releases have done. Craig’s fascination with Austin is pretty mundane, shown by him envisioning his neighbour as a Subway employee during a psychedelic trip. His downfall is internal, but it’s something that was already building before their initial encounter.

It’s also admirable that Craig and Austin’s relationship never fully enters a level of hatred. There is still a sliver of mutual appreciation that they hold on to. Craig just wants to be accepted, and Austin wants to be perceived as cool, relying on a secret that only Craig knows and protects him when it’s almost exposed. 

The film feels like a lengthened episode of Robinson’s Netflix show: it will hold a special place in your heart if you were already a fan, and might be grating if you weren’t before watching this one.  And, if you were hoping to see a film where he steps out of the box, that isn’t the case here. That’s not to say Friendship isn’t disappointing, but it would be interesting to see what Robinson can do outside of his traditional style. 

★★★ 1/2

In UK cinemas on July 18th  / Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara / Dir: Andrew DeYoung / A24, Paramount Pictures UK/ 15

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