Filmmaker, Andrew DeYoung revealed some interesting bits to streaming platform JustWatch recently about his feature film directorial debut, Friendship, starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson. The film offers a hilarious yet surprisingly real look at male friendships, inspired by a personal experience DeYoung describes as “pretty pathetic but also pretty funny.”

Here’s what Andrew DeYoung, the director of Friendship had this to say about the movie:

“This film is inspired by someone I wanted to hang out with who burned me pretty bad. I thought to myself, this is pretty pathetic but also pretty funny, and then I thought, what would a breakup story between two middle-aged men look like? We also filmed Friendship like a drama because that helps the humor hit harder. The Killing of a Sacred Deer was a huge inspiration because it also blended tension with humor, giving audiences the chance to laugh off the suspense. Friendship has a lot of laughs, but it also feels super real and relatable.”

What is the Friendship movie about?

Friendship is a comedy that takes a fresh and awkwardly hilarious look at adult male friendships. With a mix of dry humor and emotional depth, the film explores what happens when two men struggle to navigate their platonic “breakup.”

“Friendship” is a 2025 American comedy film written and directed by Andrew DeYoung in his directorial debut. The film stars Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Josh Segarra, and Billy Bryk. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024, as part of the Midnight Madness program, and is set to be theatrically released in the United States by A24 on May 23, 2025.

The film has received positive reviews, with critics praising the humor and performances. Tim Robinson’s character, Craig, is described as a typical “I Think You Should Leave” character: pathetic, awkward, and estranged from social rituals. His performance is highlighted as endearing and deranged, with a fine line between goofy and unhinged.

Andrew DeYoung is an accomplished director who made his feature debut with Friendship. Before this, he directed acclaimed TV episodes for Pen15, Shrill, High Fidelity, Man Seeking Woman, and The Baby-Sitters Club. He also created the Vimeo series 555, which earned him a Gotham Award nomination.