The Wasteland Reviewer

Friendship (2025) Written Review)

Should men have friends? That is the question posed by the new comedy from comedian and meme star Tim Robinson. Friendship. This is a comedy brought to life by writer/director Andrew DeYoung navigates the life of Craig (Robinson) who gets the sweet taste of friendship when bonding with his new neighbor Austin (Paul Rudd) which breathes some much-needed life into the marriage of Craig and Tami (Kate Mara) and a father/son dynamic (Jack Dylan Grazer’s Steven). But the friendship honeymoon is short and Craig spirals into an unhinged series of occurrences he finds himself in. One thing is for certain…cringe, awkwardness, and shame are in abundance for Robinson and company. 

Does DeYoung maximize the vibe and comedy that Robinson brings to the table? I Think I Should Leave is cringing comedy at its best but delivers quick helpings of Robinson through a sketch comedy format. Friendship is a sustained meal of his madness that mostly works from start to finish. Not every gag or joke is a winner, but this film has a surprising amount of consistent awkward laughs. DeYoung finds the right tone of anxiety and discomfort that matches perfectly with Robinson’s persona. This is not a straightforward type of humor either. If Robinson’s sensibilities conflict with your humor, this will be an uncomfortable and unsatisfying ride. The use of punk and metal makes for a great contrast to the vanilla feel of Craig and the synthy score from Keegan DeWitt. There is constant tension and sometimes scary vibes dished about by DeYoung’s film. There is creativity as well when we get inside the unhinged mind of Craig with some dreamlike visions coming to life on screen. This is a wholly realized vision from DeYoung and Robinson and will deliver for those tuned in properly. 

Does the film’s themes and story align well with this constantly uncomfortable sense of humor? The film is centered around friendships and relationships in general. DeYoung and Robinson turn everything up to an unnatural level, but that absurdity makes for an interesting metaphor for the true challenges of building lasting and meaningful connections. This all might be ridiculous and over-the-top, but DeYoung finds the truth in each action and circumstance which makes this metaphor so effective. The story beats get a little out there at certain points but most of the script is full of well staged and effective scenes that reinforce the experience well. There are certainly diversions, but the story is well structured, hits some interesting beats, and adds a little nuance along the way. Austin could be a perfect character, but his unexpected flaws make this film resonate so much better. The parallel journeys of all of Craig’s relationships (personal and professional) thread together perfectly.

 Does the cast (behind Robinson) bring the goods? First off, Robinson is truly in his element. The silence stares in strange scenarios. The outbursts and yelling in stark contrast to his awkwardness is hilarious. His line readings, body language, and energy are entertaining, hilarious, and idiosyncratic. You can lean on Robinson to bring exactly what he promises. Rudd is an interesting addition to the film as he originally appears to be effortlessly cool and collected. As the film goes on, Rudd adds layers to Austin that makes him feel more relatable and genuine. Mara captures the slow disconnect occurring between her and Robinson in each scene. She must balance a cold distance of sadness with other scenes where she has fully come to life. Mara sells them both well. This is certainly the Robinson show but the support case nails their important spots along the way. 

Is Friendship a great vehicle for the rising comedic star of Robinson? Friendship delivers exactly what you want from this bonkers world from DeYoung and Robinson. There are plenty of cringey gags and laughs to be had. There is something powerful and poignant underneath the surface that leaves something meaningful in the end. Friendship is a heightened reality that harvests plenty of dark, weird, and uncomfortable laughs.