• 'Friendship' stars Tim Robinson as Craig, a socially awkward suburbanite, who attempts to befriend his cool neighbor, Austin, played by Paul Rudd.
• The film blends cringe comedy elements similar to 'I Think You Should Leave' with Judd Apatow-style setups, exploring themes of male bonding and social discomfort.
• Directed by Andrew DeYoung, 'Friendship' delves into the complexities of male relationships and the lengths people go to for social acceptance, using visual and auditory techniques to immerse the audience in Craig's perspective.

'Friendship' is a comedy film directed by Andrew DeYoung, starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. The movie centers around Craig Waterman (Robinson), a socially awkward man who becomes fixated on befriending his new neighbor, Austin Carmichael (Rudd), a local weatherman and seemingly 'cool' guy. As Craig tries to forge a friendship with Austin, his behavior becomes increasingly cringe-worthy and disruptive, leading to uncomfortable and often humorous situations. The film explores themes of male bonding, social anxiety, and the desperate search for validation and connection.

• What: 'Friendship' is a comedy film about a socially awkward man named Craig who tries to befriend his seemingly cooler neighbor, Austin, leading to a series of cringeworthy and uncomfortable situations.
• Who: Key individuals include: Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson), Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd), Tami (Kate Mara), and Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer). Director Andrew DeYoung.
• When: The film was written in 2020 during the pandemic, filmed in January and February, and released in May 2025.
• Where: The film is set in a suburban neighborhood and was filmed in upstate New York.

'Friendship' explores themes of male bonding and social awkwardness through the lens of cringe comedy. The film's humor is derived from the uncomfortable situations that arise as Craig desperately seeks validation from Austin, often crossing social boundaries. The film's visual and auditory style enhance the viewing experience, immersing the audience in Craig's warped perspective. The casting of Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd brings a unique dynamic to the film, blending Robinson's signature cringe comedy with Rudd's charismatic presence. The film is heavily inspired by 'I Think You Should Leave', with some critics noting it feels like an extended sketch from the show.

"A few years ago, I had my own Friendship issues that I was trying to resolve, and I realized that I’d never seen a breakup story about two middle-aged men. It’s something that’s happening all the time. It’s tragic but it’s also deeply funny."

I wanted to point to that, and to the almost religious grasp that companies like Marvel have on our culture.

'Friendship' is a cringe-comedy film that delves into the awkward and often uncomfortable dynamics of male friendship. Starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, the film blends elements of 'I Think You Should Leave' with more traditional comedic setups, exploring themes of social anxiety and the pursuit of validation. While some critics find the film uneven, others praise its unique visual style and commitment to cringe humor. The film is currently available for streaming.