Friendship
⭐️ ⭐ (out of 5 stars)
Male friendship and camaraderie have been at the core of Hollywood productions for decades. Right along with this story vehicle comes the black comedy that spins a darker side to these relationships. Reminiscent of the reality of these male connections, combining these genres and getting it right cuts a fine line between mass appeal and abject rejection. New director Andrew DeYoung shows audiences how things can go wrong in friendships and in filmmaking.
Saturday Night Live alumnus Tim Robinson does a deep dive into the consummately awkward marketing executive Craig Waterman. If anyone struggles to read the room, this man lacks grace and tact in every relationship. As his marriage struggles with his florist and cancer survivor, Tami (Kate Mara), he does his best to push her away with every odd comment at home, until one day when his new neighbour and weatherman, Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd) moves in down the street and the men develop an initial bond. Tami encourages her husband to reach out to this potential friend, and things seem promising before Craig meets Austin's band of brothers. Upon being rejected by the group and most of the men at work, life spirals downhill as he overcompensates in every relationship with disastrous results.
Understanding that the comedic tone is meant to be off-beat and darker, Friendship starts off with promise as each character is introduced. Tim Robinson takes irritating to a whole new level, and in small doses, his performance could be considered inspired. Yet, as each scene ramps up the comfort level to a torturous level, this film becomes more pitiful than funny. Paul Rudd has managed to commit to these independent productions. He has proven to find that sweet spot between mean and endearing. Still, the cringeworthy aspects of this story become hard to stomach and less entertaining as each situation occurs in the life of Craig Waterman.
Friendship will remind every man of that one friend who constantly says the wrong thing at the wrong time in every situation. The film is like that friend as it quickly wears out its welcome and, despite their best intentions, will fail to be invited back after putting their foot in their mouth one too many times.
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Reel Dialogue: Men need friendships*
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
These words from Proverbs are a challenge for us all to invest in friendships.
Yet, in this modern era, the discussion of male friendship has been under threat.
These friendships can be unfairly labelled by people, instead of allowing them to flourish. While most men desire to have friends, they may hesitate to have close friendships, because of modern ideals that automatically make their connection into something it is not.
Two blokes should be allowed to be friends who hang out, laugh, play sport or challenge each other to be creative. The true tragedy of some of the modern narratives in society about male friendships should be a warning to us all.
Humanity is designed for human connection and friendship.
We should be slow to define these connections and allow men to just be friends.
*(Content originally found on God in 60 Seconds)
