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SPOILER ALERT: This story contains spoilers for the ending of “Friendship,” out now in theaters.

Assuming you might think that the film “Friendship” by A24 is just one extended episode of “I Think You Should Leave,” given Tim Robinson’s lines such as “There’s a new Marvel out that’s supposed to be crazy” are reminiscent of the absurd humor in the Netflix sketch comedy series. However, while “Friendship” is certainly hilarious, it also subtly tugs at your heartstrings with an unexpected emotional depth that could even make you shed a few tears.

Andrew DeYoung, the director, shares with EbMaster that even though Tim’s show is quite lively, he seems unfazed as if there’s no humor involved. I believe this is why audiences connect with him so well, because he’s so sincerely invested in his emotions.”

(The goal here was to keep the meaning of the sentence intact while making it more natural and easy to read.)

As I chat with EbMaster prior to the nationwide premiere, DeYoung takes me through some of the wildest “Friendship” highlights, ranging from our mind-bending Subway adventure to that cheeky wink in the end.

The male loneliness epidemic has been a hot topic in recent years. Did that directly inspire the film?

The core of it stems from my personal longing to bond and finds amusement in observing others struggle to establish connections. At its heart, it’s deeply rooted in emotion. I’m not attempting to dissect or analyze anything.

My favorite scene in the movie is when Craig goes on a psychedelic trip after licking an exotic toad, only to find himself in a Subway with Austin. How did you come up with that?

Subway holds a special place in my heart; it feels like home, even after not visiting for over a decade. Whenever I catch its scent while passing by, it stirs such strong nostalgic feelings within me. As I pen this, he’s at a phone store preparing to experiment with psychedelics. At first, the urge was to write something outlandish, but it didn’t sit well. I’ve witnessed countless extraordinary trips brought on by drugs, and I can’t top any of them. Instead, what captivates me most is taking a different approach – going down the ordinary route and keeping things utterly mundane.

It had been my assumption that we’d need to revamp the script, turning it into a typical deli or sandwich shop. However, I found Subway surprisingly unenthusiastic about this idea. To my surprise, they even came to the set and provided Paul with advice on preparing sandwiches!

Kate Mara is really a secret weapon of this film. We know her primarily for her dramatic work, and she previously told me that you asked her to play Tami like she was in a drama, too. Why was that your direction?

I shared that note with everyone. Despite Tim’s outrageous antics, we aim to portray everything as if it were a drama. I believe that when feelings are authentic and profound, humor becomes more impactful. That’s my approach, and I suspect Tim follows a similar path in his performances. There are no nods or winks. For me, comedy is most effective when performers seem genuinely trying their best and working at the peak of their intelligence. When they appear to be playing dumb, I find myself disliking them. It was fantastic to have Kate, such a talented actress, bring so much weight to these scenes. Upon editing the film, I realized that she underwent the most significant transformation compared to anyone else!

At the end of the film, as Craig is sitting in the police car, he gets a wink from Austin. What’s behind that?

As a movie enthusiast, I relish in narratives that leave me pondering long after the credits roll. While some films provide a satisfying conclusion, they also maintain an intriguing ambiguity. For instance, I find myself moved when the protagonist hits rock bottom, yet senses a glimmer of hope for self-discovery or camaraderie. Alternatively, it’s captivating when two characters finally understand each other’s vulnerabilities and form a bond, leaving room for multiple interpretations about their relationship dynamics. On the darker side, there are instances where I fear the protagonist might become increasingly fixated, adding another layer of complexity to the storyline. Ultimately, it’s this sense of resolution combined with numerous possible interpretations that keeps me engrossed in these thought-provoking films.

How much improv was incorporated on set?

The script provides a solid foundation, but it’s the exceptional instances where numerous talented actors come together that truly shine. For instance, Conner [O’Malley] and Tim’s scene in the garage might seem structured, but the way they improvise and solve problems showcases their brilliance. Similarly, the speech delivered by Conner while standing on a chair is all his own creation, demonstrating his unique talent. Throughout the production, everyone contributes small, significant moments that elevate the overall piece. I’m fortunate to be working with such a talented group of individuals – it’s only natural for greatness to unfold.

One of the funniest running gags in “Friendship” is Tami’s constant thoughts about her ex-boyfriend Devon.

As a movie enthusiast, I believe it’s essential in strong relationships to be open to spending time with individuals who might challenge the bond, as long as you feel secure, don’t you agree? The character Tami, having just gone through a life-altering cancer diagnosis, seems determined to seize every moment and live her life to the fullest. It’s almost as if she’s saying, “I’m going to spend time with an old flame.” This idea really sets Craig on edge, doesn’t it? The tension is palpable.

In my film critique perspective, I often find myself pondering over relationships in movies that seem questionable, such as “Why are these characters hitched?” To clarify, it’s similar to observing couples nearing the end of their relationship, yet unaware they’re on the brink of a split. They appear almost like strangers to each other. Fast forward a few months, and inevitably, they part ways. This is the enigma I’m subtly alluding to in my analysis.

You’re working with Tim again on “The Chair Company” on HBO. What can you tell me about it so far?

At this moment, Zach Kanin and Tim are venturing into uncharted waters, and it’s thrilling to observe their progress. The comedy-mystery blend they’re working on is a perfect fit for them, like a sketch expanding into a full-fledged performance. It’s simply stunning to witness the masterpiece they’re creating. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this project.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

2025-05-23 23:56