It’s hard to say whether narcissism is really at an all-time high or if there’s just too much being said about it. Social media does provide such a great deal of opportunity for self-aggrandizement that succumbing to the desire to make much of oneself is exceedingly simple, as simple as, say, talking.
If the viewer does not understand “Friendship” as a film about narcissism, they might take it to be an offbeat, goofy buddy movie. As in other buddy movies of this type, the foolish protagonist blunders his way through life as though everything is quite normal. It could be easy to forget how this clueless character might have a life outside of this 2:20 runtime window, or how such a character got to where he is in his life at all. Those familiar with goading comedian Tim Robinson, expecting more of the same, might be tempted not to put any effort in at all.
If, however, narcissism is seen as a crucial component of the story being told here, then this film can be understood in a different way. From this perspective, “Friendship” is more serious a film than it appears, not merely a series of comic gags.
Robinson plays Craig Waterman, who seems to be an eccentric with little self-restraint, and yet is tolerated by those around him, including his family. His wife, Tami (Mara), and his son, Steven (Grazer), live with his oddities by maintaining a certain degree of aloofness. When a package belonging to a neighbor, Austin (Rudd), is erroneously delivered to the Waterman’s house, Craig takes it over to Austin’s and the two strike up a friendship that from the start appears somehow to work, though it feels rather a mismatch.
But not to Craig. He sees it as an opportunity to have a relationship on a deeper level, perhaps one he’s never experienced with a non-family member. But just as the characters he portrays on his Netflix cringe comedy sketch show, “I Think You Should Leave,” Robinson imbues Craig with an unconscious willfulness that creates challenges for all around him.
The film by no means attempts to get sympathy for any sort of impairment or mental illness. In fact, it seems to promote the idea that certain behaviors that we generally consider impulsive are not what defines people, but are more what permits them to justify to themselves what they are doing.
It is natural to want fulfilling relationships, but for some this conflicts with the desire to remain true to themselves, true to themselves whatever anyone else might think of them. Living authentically might very well mean social disaster. Still, consequences might not necessarily be consequential enough to change certain antisocial behaviors, and in fact may even reinforce them.
If you appreciate Robinson’s work, you might find yourself amused during the film. But it may seem tedious and awkward if you don’t appreciate this style of comedy or if you don’t see this as a story about a suburban narcissist. If anything, though, it should at least get you thinking about the meaning of friendship.
