"Friendship" Trailer: Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd Navigate a Hilariously Dark Bromance Gone Wrong

A24’s latest dark comedy deconstructs male bonding with awkward intensity, starring Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, and Kate Mara.

Breaking up with someone you’ve been in a relationship with can be one of life’s most devastating experiences. But breaking up with your neighbor? That might be even harder—at least, that’s what they want you to believe in the new dark comedy Friendship, starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. Watch the newly released trailer above.

Since leaving Saturday Night Live after a short stint as a cast member, sketch comedian Tim Robinson has found success with his deeply quirky Netflix series I Think You Should Leave—a show that has grown into a full-blown cult phenomenon (and, let’s be honest, you’ve probably seen the countless memes it’s spawned on social media). Now, Robinson is bringing his signature brand of awkward, deadpan humor to the big screen in a film that delves into the often-overlooked complexities of male bonding.

But don’t expect this to be just another Judd Apatow-style bromance, where male friendship is an excuse for lighthearted foolishness and late-stage arrested development. This is an A24 film, after all—so things are bound to get dark, leaning into the psychological horror lurking just beneath the deadpan comedy.

In the film, Robinson plays Craig Waterman, a happily married man whose wife (Kate Mara) encourages him to have a drink with their next-door neighbor, Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd), at his house one evening. Craig reluctantly goes over and is surprised to discover that Austin and a group of other male neighbors have formed a small support group—a quirky gathering where they comfort each other when life gets tough… and even break into song if the situation calls for it.

Craig, who seems to be friendless and lacking any real social circle, quickly finds himself drawn to the group, fitting in like a duck to water. However, things take a sharp turn when Austin suddenly decides it might be best for them to go their separate ways and end their friendship. Craig doesn’t take the breakup well. His life spirals into a tailspin of jealousy and rage.

"You all accepted me way too fast," Craig angrily shouts in the trailer, expressing his frustration over being banished from the group. "You can’t do that. You made me feel too free."

Interestingly, the film seems to signal the end of the bromance era, ushering in a new subgenre of twisted male-bonding comedies—a deconstruction of traditional male friendship that leans into its more uncomfortable, unsettling aspects.

Friendship is written and directed by Andrew DeYoung, a television director known for his work on Our Flag Means Death, PEN15, Shrill, Miracle Workers, and Dave. DeYoung also recently directed and co-wrote the 2022 Peacock sketch comedy special Would It Kill You to Laugh? featuring Kate Berlant and John Early.

Friendship had its world premiere last September at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it mostly received high praise from critics.

Here are some review snippets:

“... A gleefully discomfiting portrait of male bonding that delivers some of the year’s biggest laughs.”
Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter

“Partnered with the always ridiculous Rudd, Robinson reconfirms his standing as the reigning master of discomfort. Together, they make "Friendship" the funniest movie of the year.”
Nick Schager, The Daily Beast

“DeYoung is not just a wonderful comedy director, but a great stylist, and there is a mournful quality to the visuals. Ultimately, he has made a movie about male loneliness.”
Esther Zuckerman, GQ

Andrew DeYoung’s Friendship hits the mark—over and over again, with the sledgehammer finesse we’ve come to expect from the movie’s star Tim Robinson. It’s high praise to say that the film feels like an extended episode of I Think You Should Leave.
Adam Nayman, The Ringer

The film also co-stars Jack Dylan Grazer, Meredith Garretson, Josh Segarra, Carmen Christopher, Jon Glaser, Conner O'Malley, Daniel London, Billy Bryk, and Raphael Sbarge.

Friendship will hit theaters in May.