Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson are about to turn the idea of friendship on its head in the upcoming A24 comedy, Friendship. Under the watchful eye of writer-director Andrew DeYoung, this film is poised to explore the comedic landmines of forced friendships, drawing audiences in with its awkward humor. The movie, set to premiere in theaters this May, made its first appearance during the Toronto International Film Festival, part of the notoriously lively Midnight Madness roster.
Starring alongside Rudd and Robinson are Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Josh Segarra, and Billy Bryk, each bringing their unique flair to this uproarious escapade. The plot centers around Craig, played by Robinson, who’s making every ill-fated attempt to bond with his neighbor Austin, portrayed by Rudd. This budding camaraderie, however, is on a collision course with chaos as it threatens to unravel their lives.
The trailer gives a glimpse into the hilarity that ensues when Craig tries to fast-track friendship with Austin. A candid Austin sets boundaries saying, “Look, we had a couple of really nice hangs, but I think it best if we go our separate ways. I don’t wish to continue this friendship.” Craig, struggling with the rapid acceptance into Austin’s world, retorts his discomfort, “You all accepted me way too fast. You can’t do that.”
With a production team led by Johnny Holland, J.D. Lifshitz, Raphael Margules, and Nick Weidenfeld, Friendship promises to offer more than just laughs—it delves into the complexities of social interaction and personal boundaries. The film’s world premiere, held on September 8, 2024, at TIFF, gave critics and early viewers an intriguing look into this comedy of errors.
While Friendship marks new comedic territory for Robinson, he is no stranger to cringe humor. Having carved a niche with the Netflix sketch series I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson, the actor brings his signature style to a feature film setting. As praised by critic Michael Rechtshaffen of The Hollywood Reporter: “The innocently titled Friendship delivers some of the year’s biggest laughs.” It seems DeYoung’s venture into this narrative world is set to charm and challenge audiences alike.
Rudd, on the other hand, continues to expand his versatile acting resume. Following his role in last year’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, he is slated to appear in upcoming projects like Death of a Unicorn and Anaconda. His ability to traverse genres effortlessly will undoubtedly shine as he tackles the discomforts of unwanted friendship.
Closing Credits
Friendship is poised to invite audiences into a world where the comfort of companionship doesn’t always come easy. With its anticipated release in May, this A24 production merges humor and humanity, masterfully illustrating the delicate balance of social interaction. As Austin and Craig discover, not every neighborly gesture blossoms into lifelong companionship. Save the date and prepare for an entertaining exploration of friendship and the chaos it can unleash.
