When a movie is released by A24, I know I’m in for a wild ride. Over the years, the independent studio has become synonymous with bold, thought-provoking cinema that delves deep into the human psyche. Friendship (2024) directed by Benjamin Brewer and distributed by A24 is no exception. Exploring themes of loneliness, identity and the desperate human need to belong, this dark and at times absurd comedy presents an unsettling social satire typical of A24’s most memorable works.
The story centres on Craig (Tim Robinson), a socially awkward suburban dad in his forties who feels increasingly invisible and unfulfilled in his own life. He’s on the brink of a midlife crisis, stuck in routine, alienated by his wife and haunted by unrealised potential. When Austin (Paul Rudd), a charismatic and wealthy TV meteorologist moves into his neighbourhood, Craig is instantly captivated. Austin is popular, shrouded in wealth, good looking and everything Craig could ever dream to be.
As their friendship grows Craig gets a glimpse of what it’s like to be one of the “cool kids”. We never see a flashback to teen Craig, but you can imagine him fumbling alone in the corner of the high school cafeteria. The dynamic between Craig and Austin captures that universal ache of acceptance, and what begins as an innocent friendship soon spirals into obsession, deception, and emotional manipulation.
The film uses this growing relationship as a mirror to modern social hierarchies. While the tone remains humorous, it’s the kind of humour that feels uncomfortably close to home. We laugh, but we also cringe, recognising traits of ourselves in Craig’s awkward attempts to impress and belong.
Cinematographically, Friendship is both striking and subtle. The washed-out suburban setting mirrors Craig’s internal emptiness, while camera framing lingers uncomfortably close on his face during moments of self-doubt and humiliation. These long, unsettling frames force the audience to sit in the tension and feel very flicker of Craig’s insecurity and unravelling of character. The tone shifts effortlessly between humour and heartache, blurring the line between comedy and tragedy.
A24 has mastered this emerging brand of genre-bending cinema. The studio was founded in 2012 by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel and John Hodges, with their first widely recognised release being A Glimpse in the Mind of Charles Swan III (2012). From the very beginning, A24 carved a reputation for supporting daring independent films.
The blockbuster success of Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) proved that audiences crave films that challenge rather than mere entertain, becoming A24’s highest grossing film to date earning over US $141 million worldwide. More recently, other standout releases such as Death of a Unicorn (2025), A Different Man (2024), Heretic (2024) and Babygirl (2024) have cemented the studio’s reputation for originality. Each one, in its own way, offers biting commentary on modern life and deserve a spot on any serious film lover’s list.
While Friendship might not have reached the blockbuster brilliance of Everything Everywhere All At Once, it deserves recognition. Friendship premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in the renowned Midnight Madness program. Midnight Madness is a showcase devoted to bold, provocative and unpredictable cinema screened to late night audiences who are looking for unconventional films that push the boundaries. Friendship captivated crowds with its mix of satire and psychological, winning the People’s Choice Award for Midnight Madness.
Performance-wise, Friendship thrives on the chemistry between Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. Robinson is best known for his offbeat Netflix series I Think You Should Leave, bringing his unfiltered awkwardness to the character of Craig, who is both pitiful and relatable. Rudd, ever the charming actor, leans into his charisma with a darker edge than usual. Having previously starred in Marvel’s Ant-Man franchise, he proves his craft by embodying Austin’s manipulative charm. Together, they create a pairing that is deeply human.
The final scene of the film is particularly striking, bordering on horror while maintaining the film’s dark comedy undertone. The culmination of Craig’s actions and his psychological state creates a tense, almost disorienting atmosphere. The tension and plot escalates to the point where the humour dissipates, forcing the audience to face the gravity of Craig’s situation. It’s a finale that lingers in the mind, leaving viewer’s uncomfortable, and unsure whether to continue laughing or watch on in uneasy silence.
Overall, I’d rate Friendship 3 out of 5 stars. It’s not perfect, the storyline can drag in parts and push absurdity too far at times. Craig and Austin shine as the main characters of the film, but it would also have been good to see further depth in secondary characters. Overall, the impact and social commentary of the film is undeniable. The acting is fantastic, the satire is razor sharp and the message universal. Beneath the laughter lies a sobering truth, we all just want to belong.
Elizabeth Harris