Tim Robinson’s A24 Comedy Friendship Debuts on HBO Max and Cathay Pacific Flights

Lead A24’s dark comedy Friendship, starring comedian Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, began streaming on HBO Max and debuted on Cathay Pacific in-flight entertainment today, September 7, 2025, expanding its global audience.

Nut Graf The film-directed by Andrew DeYoung and praised for its unsettling take on adult male loneliness-lands on two major platforms concurrently, illustrating the growing trend of simultaneous global release strategies that blend traditional streaming and in-flight distribution.

Streaming and In-Flight Launch

HBO Max subscribers can now watch Friendship, which follows suburban dad Craig’s (Robinson) cringeworthy descent into obsession after befriending his effortlessly cool neighbor Austin (Paul Rudd). Cathay Pacific passengers will also find Friendship available on the airline’s award-winning in-flight entertainment system, marking A24’s latest collaboration with global carriers to reach captive audiences at 35,000 feet.

Creative Team and Cast

Director Andrew DeYoung, fresh off TV success, expands his dark comedic vision in this feature-length venture. Robinson’s signature vulnerability and rage-hailed on I Think You Should Leave-drive Craig’s sociopathic awkwardness, while Rudd provides a charming foil. Kate Mara co-stars as Craig’s unamused wife, Tami.

Early Reception

Critics note that Friendship stretches Robinson’s cringe-comedy style from sketch to film, delivering both laughter and discomfort in equal measure. Early reviews describe it as a “psychological case study” on male anxieties and social isolation, cementing Robinson’s status as a boundary-pushing comic voice.

Platform Strategy

By releasing Friendship simultaneously on HBO Max and Cathay Pacific, A24 leverages dual channels to maximize exposure. This hybrid distribution reflects a broader industry shift toward embracing non-traditional platforms alongside mainstream streaming, ensuring films find diverse audiences beyond cinemas.