FRIENDSHIP

(Toronto International Film Festival 2024)

Starring: Paul Rudd, Tim Robinson & Kate Mara

Written & Directed by: Andy DeYoung.

When an errant delivery pulls suburban dad Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson) into the orbit of his mysterious and charismatic new neighbour Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd), a sweet bromance seems to blossom over an innocent evening of urban exploration, punk rock, and a mutual appreciation for paleolithic antiquities. But what should have been the start of a beautiful friendship is soon waylaid as Craig’s obsessive personality begins to alienate his new pal, subsequently inducing a spiral that threatens to upend Craig’s entire life.

With his cult hit sketch series I Think You Should Leave, Robinson has established himself as one of comedy’s most consummate conductors of cringe, skilfully exploring the quiet desperation of stubborn individuals who struggle to navigate society’s shifting social mores. In Friendship, this satirical brand of discomfort is set to simmer across a procession of awkward faux pas as writer-director Andrew DeYoung (whose comedy credentials include episodes of Our Flag Means Death and PEN15) judiciously crafts the conditions for Robinson to hysterically oscillate between his patented childlike vulnerability and uproariously pathetic rage.

Rudd makes a beguiling foil to Robinson, effortlessly imbuing Austin with an alluring rugged machismo that is subtly punctured over prolonged exposure to Craig’s arrested development. Featuring an absurdist ensemble of eccentrics, including a terrifically deadpan Kate Mara as Tim’s increasingly disaffected wife Tami, Friendship will also offer Midnighters one of the funniest psychedelic trips to ever feature a fast food brand.