‘Friendship’ Review: Tim Robinson Brings His Masochistic Cringe Comedy to a Scattershot Satire of Male Bonding

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Upon meeting Tim Robinson for the first time, you might find him resembling numerous other rubber-faced comedians known for their madcap antics. His ghoulish grin, slow and turtle-like demeanor, and eyes that gleam with an unusual intensity suggest a familial link to Rodney Dangerfield. His comedy style revolves around simmering breakdowns, gradually escalating to a campy rage that’s barely contained from becoming authentic. In this regard, he shares similarities with comedians who have explosive temperaments such as Will Ferrell and the younger Jim Carrey.

However, Robinson, who initially gained fame on “Saturday Night Live” and later starred in the eccentric Netflix sitcom “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson,” might be the first comedian to embody the spirit of existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre (or perhaps Willy Loman) on screen. When he portrays a passive-aggressive corporate worker who constantly spews testy and inappropriate remarks, it’s not just a depiction of the usual anger hidden within an office drone. Instead, he reveals the underlying anxiety that often goes unnoticed. It’s no surprise that Robinson has garnered a dedicated fanbase. He’s the type of comedian who elicits more cringes than laughs – and ironically, this is a reflection of the raw, nerve-wracking courage of his skill.

In his debut lead role in a film, Tim Robinson deviates from the conventional path taken by comedians like Jim Carrey or Adam Sandler, who initially won over audiences with lovable, yet annoying characters. Instead, Robinson portrays an unsettling character, one designed to make viewers uncomfortable, reminiscent of Carrey’s role in “The Cable Guy” but ahead of that moment.

In a suburban setting, Robinson portrays Craig Waterman, a husband and father figure, who attends a gathering for cancer survivors. Craig’s spouse, Tami (played by Kate Mara), has been cancer-free for a full year, presenting herself as a thoughtful and appreciative individual. However, when Craig makes a remark that appears to be compassionate but is evidently self-centered, there might be some initial confusion as to why Tami is wedded to this seemingly ordinary man who exhibits signs of being secretive and peculiar from the outset.

At his current residence, a house they’re attempting to sell, Craig unexpectedly receives a parcel in the post intended for a neighboring property. This keeps recurring. He decides to take the package and walk it down the street, approaching the other house where he encounters Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd), a newcomer to the neighborhood who exudes an endearing charm, reminiscent of a scruffy romantic lead. Austin invites Craig inside, and before Craig knows it, they’re spending time together. This is puzzling for Craig, as he’s not accustomed to having friends.

Among my favorite comedies from the past two decades is “I Love You, Man” (2009), where Paul Rudd portrays a character who’s so sensitive that he’s hesitant about forming a friendship with a slightly more macho individual, played by Jason Segel. The film humorously explores a platonic bond as if it were a romance, capturing the awkwardness of middle-class male anxieties in today’s society. Interestingly, “Friendship” seems to take inspiration from “I Love You, Man”, but with a twist: Robinson’s character Craig is the timid and insecure one, while Rudd’s Austin is the tough, fraternal “love interest”. Moreover, Austin, a local TV weatherman, sports a hairstyle and facial hair reminiscent of Rudd’s character from “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy”, adding an artistic, slightly self-referential flavor to the film.

Interestingly enough, “Friendship” seems to subvert our initial expectations. At first glance, it might appear to be a humorous take on an awkward character’s transformation from a shy geek. However, the film consistently portrays Craig, played by Robinson, as being even more peculiar and unsettling than we anticipate.

For some time now, despite my friend Craig’s tendency to drop his phone in the mud or make other blunders, our friendship has managed to thrive. These mishaps, as frequent as they are, seem to be a reflection of his destiny – a self-inflicted curse that seems to encompass not only him but also those around him. He’s a zealous tech enthusiast, yet somehow also a bumbling schmuck, a loser, and at times, cluelessly inconsiderate. He appears to inhabit his own unique antisocial realm. Yet, he holds a corporate job that provides him with comforting platitudes, so when Austin expresses his desire to transition from the morning weather forecast to the nightly news, I encourage him: “Go for it.” And so, he does. He secures the position, which makes him believe that I am his lucky charm.

However, the camaraderie doesn’t endure for long. Austin invites Craig to join his group of friends for a night out, but things take a turn for the worse. Craig struggles to fit in – he simply can’t connect. It’s uncertain if it’s because he doesn’t know how or if his reserved ego won’t allow him. This scene is hilarious in the movie as we witness how Craig’s personality dismantles any relationship he attempts to form. The situation reaches its peak in a moment of unexpected humor, after Craig has made a serious mistake (knocking Austin unconscious during a friendly sparring match). In response, Craig shoves an entire bar of soap into his mouth and stands there saying, “I’m sorry!

In essence, Craig’s character in “Friendship,” written and directed by Andrew DeYoung, starts off with a relatable masochistic edge. However, as the story progresses, Craig’s mental state deteriorates, making it difficult for the audience to identify with him anymore. This degradation of Craig’s sanity mirrors the film itself, which gradually loses its footing and becomes increasingly unsettling. Essentially, “Friendship” portrays a character from an SNL sketch being thrust into an Ari Aster-like horror scenario, and by the time Craig takes Tami into the city’s secret aqueduct, it’s hard to discern his intentions, and the humor fades away.

The film “Friendship,” produced by A24, leans into its peculiarity to evoke a captivating theater-of-the-absurd vibe. Although it boasts intriguing moments and an endearing performance from Rudd (his hair isn’t just a wig), the movie eventually seems catered to Tim Robinson’s cult followers only. Robinson’s blend of middle-class psychosis and surrealism excels in brief sketch-comedy formats. However, when extended into a full-length feature, characters like Craig become incomprehensible. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that Robinson has potential in the film industry. He could be a fitting choice for a live-action “The Simpsons.” He embodies a unique screen persona: a self-loathing, yet self-aggrandizing nebbish. However, his comedy might not thrive if it pushes viewers away more than it draws them in.

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2025-04-24 06:17