Tim Robinson, widely known for his Netflix sketch series 'I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson', now takes the lead role in 'Friendship'. This interesting movie combines cringe comedy and heartwarming moments to deliver an extraordinary portraiture of brotherhood that has proved to be one of the biggest laugh riots of the year.
The film sees Robinson play the character of a suburban dad with a goofy twist. His everyday persona gets rattled after befriending his neighbor, played by the ever-charming Paul Rudd. 'Friendship', the directorial debut of Andrew DeYoung, enables both the actors to explore their comedic skills in a bromance setup that has been largely unexplored.
Rudd is no stranger to films exploring male friendships. Back in 2009, he starred in 'I Love You, Man'. The bromance in 'Friendship' is different, however, as it follows a no-holds-barred approach. The film made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and was selected as the Midnight Madness selection, getting positive attention from a niche distribution.
The plot follows Craig Waterman, played by Robinson, who lives a relatively mundane life until he meets his new neighbor Austin Carmichael, played by Rudd. An incorrectly delivered package leads Craig to Austin's doorstep and begins an unlikely friendship. However, Austin begins to retreat when Craig's obsession grows too strong.
Tim Robinson earlier made a mark with Saturday Night Live (2012-2016), maturing as a performer and a writer. He perfectly captures the sad, weird character of Craig, lending him a touch of relatable reality. On the other hand, Rudd surprises with a disharmonious, unpolished character that astonishingly matches his otherwise wholesome persona.
Critics suggest that though DeYoung’s narrative lacks a traditional high-paced plot, the ensemble's fantastic performances and the director's ability to pace the story in sync with the characters’ development leave a lasting impression. The movie serves as a benchmark for Robinson and DeYoung, promising an equally engaging future for both in the film industry.
