Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd’s Dark Comedy “Friendship” Launches on HBO Max

A24’s critically acclaimed black comedy “Friendship” starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd debuted on HBO Max today, marking the film’s streaming premiere after a successful theatrical run earlier this year.

The streaming launch brings the darkly comic exploration of male friendship to a broader audience following its limited theatrical release in May 2025. The film will also make its linear television debut tomorrow, September 6, at 8:00 p.m. ET on HBO.

From Festival Darling to Streaming Success

“Friendship” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 as part of the Midnight Madness program before receiving widespread critical praise during its theatrical rollout. The film delivered impressive box office numbers during its limited release, grossing over $451,000 in just six theaters across New York and Los Angeles, achieving a remarkable per-theater average of $75,000.

Writer-director Andrew DeYoung crafted the screenplay specifically for Tim Robinson, the cult favorite comedian known for “I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson”. The film marks DeYoung’s feature directorial debut and represents Robinson’s first leading role in a theatrical feature.

Plot Centers on Obsessive Male Bonding

The story follows Craig Waterman (Robinson), a socially awkward marketing executive whose desperate attempts to befriend his charismatic weatherman neighbor Austin (Rudd) spiral into increasingly uncomfortable territory. Critics have praised the film’s unflinching examination of male loneliness and toxic friendship dynamics.

Kate Mara and Jack Dylan Grazer round out the supporting cast in this tale that reviewers have described as an “inverted sequel” to the 2009 comedy “I Love You, Man”. The film explores themes of post-pandemic isolation while maintaining Robinson’s signature brand of cringe comedy.

Critical Reception Highlights Dark Comedy Elements

Critics have consistently praised the film’s bold tonal choices and standout performances. Entertainment outlets have described it as “one of the funniest movies in some time” while noting its exploration of “the corrosive alienation of men who cannot communicate honestly”.

The film’s visual style deliberately contrasts typical bright comedy aesthetics, instead employing darker cinematography that underscores the psychological themes running beneath its humor.

Industry observers expect the HBO Max release to significantly expand the film’s audience beyond its initial theatrical run, particularly among fans of Robinson’s previous Netflix work.