Film Review: ‘Friendship’ Sees Tim Robinson and His Particular Brand of Hilarious Insanity at Feature Length

You almost immediately know if the humor of Tim Robinson is up your alley or not. Whether it’s through I Think You Should Leave or elsewhere, Robinson presents like no one else. Personally, I find him hilarious and strange, in equal measure. Watching him, especially here in Friendship, there’s this alien quality to him that so few comedians even attempt. Robinson’s characters are always just missing this little bit to have them understand a given situation. Here, not only is that the case, but the loneliness of being a modern adult man is layered on to it. There’s more going on here than you might expect, though obviously couched in some of the biggest laughs I’ve had in some time.

Friendship is easily one of the funniest movies of the year, while also being among the weirdest. Every scene just plays out a little different than you might expect, even when you go in assuming things are going to be strange. Whether it’s the reaction to a new Marvel, a drug trip, or just about anything in between, a Tim Robinson character does things like no one else. Provided you’re on his wavelength, this is going to be an absolute riot.

On the surface, Craig (Robinson) is your garden variety suburban father and husband. He has an office job, married up with Tami (Kate Mara), who has just beaten cancer, and embarrasses his son Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer). Look a little closer, though, and you’ll see that there’s something off about him. Is he just awkward and lonely, or is something more significantly wrong there? Craig may not even know himself, but a change in his rut unlocks something new in him, from which there’s no going back.

When Austin (Paul Rudd) moves in to the town, Tami has Craig go over to their new neighbors with a mis-delivered package. An overnight weather man, Austin captures Craig’s attention immediately, kicking off a friendship with a late night adventure through the city’s sewer system. Then, Craig comes on a little too strong to Austin and his other friends, leading him to sever the budding friendship. Craig does not take it well, with things devolving from there, though the details are best left for you to find out yourself.

Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd are both at their funniest here, while Kate Mara and Jack Dylan Grazer very capably bounce off of the former. Robinson is the star, truly, bringing his persona to the big screen. It translates hilariously, while giving us more time to linger on the psychology and pathos of his character. Rudd, on the other hand, is seemingly delighting in playing the straight man, though he has his fair share of wildly funny bits. Supporting players include Jon Glaser, Conner O’Malley, and more, but Robinson is front and center.

Writer/director Andrew DeYoung impeccably finds Robinson’s specific voice and wavelength here. This feels very much like I Think You Should Leave in tone, though instead of little tidbits, it’s one story for feature length. The momentum sustains, too, which I was a bit concerned about. The opening sequence has a really hilarious moment, though it’s in the back end when some of the absolute funniest things actually happen, which had me almost crying, I was laughing so hard. Still, DeYoung is able to linger on the darkness, as well as the idea of lonely men needing or not being able to deal with friendship. There’s more here than meets the eye.

Friendship is one of the funniest films of 2025, without question. That it’s so unique and specific as well just feels like a bonus. I will completely understand if there’s folks who just don’t get this one at all. For me? I couldn’t stop laughing. If you share that feeling when it comes to Robinson, trust me, you’re in for a treat.

SCORE: ★★★1/2