‘Friendship’ Review: Tim Robinson & Paul Rudd Lead Anxiety-Inducing Bromance From Andrew DeYoung — SXSW

deadline.com:

With Tim Robinson‘s first starring film role in writer-director Andrew DeYoung’s A24 debut Friendship, the comedian hits every cringe note with assistance from Paul Rudd and Kate Mara.

The anxiety-inducing dark bromance stars Robinson as suburban family man Craig, who quickly develops a man crush on his new neighbor Austin (Rudd), a beloved local weatherman with his own rock band and an eclectic collection of ancient artifacts.

But his desperate attempts to impress his new pal only makes things disastrously awkward, reverberating through his life and impacting his marriage, job and entire wellbeing as he gets recurring nosebleeds throughout, which Robinson uses as a hilarious physical comedy device. “This is why guys shouldn’t have friends,” Craig gripes in one scene, which feels like a good thesis for this film who’s desperate for connection but keeps getting in his own way.

Rudd is the ultimate match for Tim’s unique brand of humor, bringing a distinct charm and ease to the role while representing a perceived level of comfort and contentment with his life that Craig lacks.