Tim Robinson’s New Movie “Friendship” is Funnier Than You Think

Tim Robinson’s new movie, “Friendship,” is taking the comedy world by storm. And it is even funnier than you might expect. If you are familiar with Robinson’s hit series “I Think You Should Leave,” then you already know his knack for awkward, surreal, and sometimes cringe-worthy humor.

But in “Friendship,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Robinson takes things to a new level. Directed by Andrew DeYoung, the film blends sharp comedy with poignant insights into male loneliness, all while making you laugh till you cry.

The Plot of Tim Robinson’s New Movie

Tim Robinson’s new movie “Friendship” follows Craig Waterman (played by Robinson), a suburban everyman living in “Clovis, USA.” Craig works for Universal Digital Innovations, a tech company that thrives on getting people hooked on their products. His life is as beige as his wardrobe – a sad collection of khakis and button-downs from a place hilariously named “Ocean View Dining.”

Elle / Tim Robinson’s new movie “Friendship” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. What we know so far is that it is funnier than you might think + it is extremely Tim Robinson!

Craig seems like the perfect guy to blend into the background, that is until a misdelivered package brings him face-to-face with Austin Carmichael, his new neighbor.

Played by Paul Rudd, Austin is everything Craig isn’t: Suave, charming, and mysterious. Austin’s cryptic advice to Craig, “Stay curious, Craig Waterman,” sparks an obsession. What starts as a simple neighborly gesture quickly snowballs into a deep desire for connection, pushing Craig to lengths he never expected. The movie explores male friendship through a lens that only Tim Robinson can pull off: One that is weird, hilarious, and occasionally heartbreaking.

A Hilarious Take on Male Friendship

What makes Tim Robinson’s new movie stand out is how it reimagines the buddy comedy genre. It asks the question: What if “I Love You, Man” was a complete disaster? Craig’s pursuit of friendship with Austin turns into a cringeworthy series of events that perfectly capture Robinson’s absurdist humor.

One scene features Craig tripping over and over again – so ridiculously drawn out that it transforms into one of the funniest sequences in recent comedy cinema. In true Robinson fashion, the physical comedy is gold.

GQ / In “Friendship,” there is Craig’s bizarre obsession with Osama Bin Laden’s death and his dream of ordering the “Seal Team 6” meal – a hefty spread of ribs, mac and cheese, and Caesar salad – from his local bar.

The movie is packed with these odd, random bits that shouldn’t work but somehow do. The humor is awkward, uncomfortable, and yet so perfectly timed that you can’t help but laugh out loud.

A Poignant Look at Loneliness

Beneath the laughs, “Friendship” offers something deeper. At its core, Tim Robinson’s new movie is about male loneliness. Craig is desperate for a connection, but he’s clueless about how to actually form one. His attempts to befriend Austin are both endearing and pathetic. You want to root for him, but you can’t help but cringe at how poorly he navigates even the simplest social interactions.

Director Andrew DeYoung, known for his visual flair, brings a certain melancholy to the film that adds layers to Robinson’s performance. The movie is about the sadness that often lurks behind the laughs. Craig is a man adrift, unable to connect with his wife, his coworkers, or even his neighbors. In a way, Austin represents everything Craig wishes he could be but never will.

If you have watched “I Think You Should Leave,” you know exactly what to expect from Tim Robinson’s new movie. Robinson excels at playing characters who are, at their core, deeply insecure but trying desperately to act like everything is fine. Craig Waterman is no exception. His life is falling apart, but instead of dealing with his problems head-on, he throws himself into a misguided friendship with Austin.