Friendship

Cringe comedy at its finest, Friendship now holds the title of Year’s Funniest Film (So Far) by a significant margin.

A veteran of helming TV shows about immature adult men, writer/director Andrew DeYoung makes a stunning feature debut with a story about an individual who makes those vengeful teachers (A.P. Bio) and occasionally barbaric pirates (Our Flag Means Death) look like well-adjusted members of society.

DeYoung’s chronicle of a platonic male relationship’s hilarious and disturbing downward spiral nicely balances star Tim Robinson’s acidic brand of humor with co-star Paul Rudd’s nice-guy charms. Initially, socially awkward app developer Craig Waterman (Robinson) and his new neighbor, gregarious local weatherman Austin Carmichael (Rudd), exhibit strong rapport, make each other laugh, and seemingly have the makings of a lasting bond. But after an epically unsuccessful hang with Austin’s more established buddies gets Craig excommunicated, his inability to cope with the sudden shift results in even more unhinged actions.

The success of Friendship relies on Robinson’s goofy faces and goofier line deliveries, which turn the most seemingly banal statements (e.g. “I ordered a sandwich!”) into comedic gold. Simply watching him listen to his wife Tami (Kate Mara), son Steven (Jack Dylan Grazer, Shazam!), co-workers, or Austin is immensely entertaining and adds to Robinson’s reputation as one of our great physical actors.

And though not frequently showy, DeYoung’s direction nevertheless imbues appropriate moments with a tension befitting the suspenseful situation. The combination of documentary-style zooms and Keegan DeWitt’s synth score resembles a Safdie Brothers film and significantly elevates the work’s overall quality.

Grade: B-plus. Rated R. Now playing at Carolina Cinemark, the Fine Arts Theatre, and Regal Biltmore Grande.

(Photo: A24)