The joy of cinema is that you go in and are expected to feel something, whether it be happiness, sadness, horror, or even depression. It is not often that you feel uncomfortable, but in a genuine, non-terrifying way. That is the case with Friendship, a new black comedy from A24, about an awkward man who befriends another man he can only dream of being, only for him to be rejected, and then all hell breaks loose. This is not only painfully funny, but I spent most of the time physically squirming in my seat.

Craig works for a company that aims to encourage people to become addicted to apps. His wife, Tami, is recovering from cancer and runs a flower business, but has found solace during her recovery with the help of her ex. Craig is often ridiculed by his work colleagues, and his life is going nowhere. Until a new neighbour arrives. Austin is everything Craig isn’t: cool, popular, a weatherman for TV news and a singer in a rock band. When Austin starts to become friends with Craig, it seems that Craig has found a friend for life. However, a disastrous night with Austin’s other friends ends with Austin rejecting him, marking the start of a series of events that spiral out of control.

Writer and director Andrew DeYoung, making his feature debut, has created a screen monster. A man who has no self-awareness, is so socially awkward, and doesn’t know when to stop. He doesn’t seem to have a filter, wears bland beige clothing that he treasures, and also appears to be the end of something disastrous, yet all he needs to do is sit back and not say or do anything. Craig is a cross between David Brent from The Office, Alan Partridge, and Rupert Pumpkin, as well as Robert De Niro’s character in The King of Comedy.

Craig feels he has found the perfect friend in the world, but once Austin wants to break ties, Craig is desperate to win him back, even though he doesn’t have a clue how to do it. The initial night when things go wrong is like watching a car crash. You know you should look, but can’t help as he gets deeper and deeper into weirdness, and that is really only the start. Some horror films are not this terrifying, and you could end up watching the events through your fingers.

What is surprising is that Craig’s wife is so quietly spoken and has a calming nature, you wonder how on earth these two people ended up together. Along with their teenage son, the one person who seems out of place in the family is Craig.

To make this work, you need an actor who can come across as almost hateful while feeling sorry for him. American comedian Tim Robinson, who has appeared in several comedy shows and voiced characters in various animations, is a revelation. He has a unique comic look that he uses brilliantly, and attacks the lines with the right amount of energy and, sometimes, venom. As Austin, Paul Rudd has never been better. Looking like he has stepped off the set of Anchorman, he exudes cool, but in one hilarious moment, we get to see a very different Austin. Kate Mara is also delightful as Tami.

Friendship could be the most painful thing you’ve ever seen. It’s humour of the embarrassed, a trend that will have to come to an end. Yet it works, and if you’re feeling it, I suppose the filmmakers have done their job.

4 out of 5

Director: Andrew DeYoung

Starring: Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Rick Worthy, Whitmer Thomas, Daniel London, Eric Rahill, Jacob Ming-Trent

Written by: Andrew DeYoung

Running Time: 100 mins

Cert: 15

Release date: 18th July 2025