Kate Mara Talks ‘Friendship’ Absurdity and Working With Her Sister Rooney on ‘Bucking Fastard’

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Before signing up for “Friendship,” Kate Mara hadn’t quite grasped what she was stepping into with Tim Robinson. She wasn’t aware of “I Think You Should Leave,” the Netflix sketch comedy that Robinson and Zach Kanin created, and the show “Friendship” is essentially a 97-minute rendition of this absurd series.

Fortunately, writer-director Andrew DeYoung’s screenplay provided a crystal-clear image for Mara. “Everything was written down,” the actress who starred in “House of Cards” shared with EbMaster. “It was such a brilliant script, so amusing. My initial thought was, ‘Why did he choose me?’

It’s a valid point that Mara, who has made a name for herself in dramatic series like “House of Cards” and “A Teacher,” hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase her comedic talents. However, in the movie “Friendship,” she portrays Tami, the wife of Craig, a lonely marketing executive played by Robinson. Initially, Tami doesn’t seem particularly funny, serving more as a foil or straight-man, but she unexpectedly becomes the film’s hidden strength. Throughout the movie, she often affectionately kisses her son on the lips, reminisces about her ex-boyfriend Devon in poetic terms, and humorously complains about her tiny car.

Mara shared that Andy had asked her to approach the performance as if it were a dramatic movie scene, without any funny elements which made it even funnier. She further mentioned that she’s grown quite fond of Robinson’s sense of humor and now finds herself completely captivated by his unique style. “There’s simply no one else like him,” she concluded.

In one striking moment, Tami and Craig ventured into an underground tunnel network hidden beneath the town, and an unanticipated visitor made its presence known. “I had envisioned it on a stage, but it certainly wasn’t,” Mara chuckles. “It was damp, chilly, and disgusting. And above my head, there was a bat – a tiny, sleeping one! Just before a take, I glanced up and exclaimed, ‘That’s an unusual place for a microphone.’ I couldn’t grasp that it was genuine. Then, when we all understood it was real, we naturally included the bat in the scene!

The incident in the tunnel only widens the divide between Tami and Craig, as their relationship is filled with strain. However, along comes the charming weatherman Austin Carmichael, portrayed by Paul Rudd, who captivates Tami during her visit to his news station. “He’s treating me like a fascinating queen, while the other one… it’s like he sees me as his little sister,” she explains. “They got married young and had a child quickly, so they’re used to each other. Many of us can become too comfortable in a relationship or situation, and that leads to complacency. Then, this enchanting creature appears and takes notice of you, and shows interest in your passions. Suddenly, you glow. It’s quite simple. Paul Rudd is like this magical unicorn.

Working alongside a mythical creature like a unicorn wasn’t enough for me; I am fortunate enough to collaborate with my very own sister, Rooney, in Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard.” This project has been one of the most extraordinary experiences I’ve ever had, almost surreal. Werner Herzog, he’s a unique individual, truly inimitable on our planet. To have the opportunity to work with him was enchanting. But what made it even more special was sharing this journey with my sister. It feels like a fairy tale come true.

She expresses, “I found myself and my sister developing a unique connection while working together, unlike any other situation – be it at home or during friendships. Our characters seemed to share thoughts, aspirations, fashion choices, and dietary habits. This shared experience turned out to be the most profound bonding moment for us.

The movie titled “Friendship” is currently being screened in Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, Portland (Oregon), Raleigh (North Carolina), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. It will be available in theaters across the country starting May 23rd.

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2025-05-17 01:47