Parents' Guide to Friendship

Twisted and hysterical, this surreal dramedy occupies a middle ground between dark and silly and sneaks in some timely ideas about men and their friends. Or, to be exact, their lack of friends, which is really what's at the shadowy heart of Friendship: Craig's naked desperation for connection. That's what leaves him open to Austin's siren song of manly camaraderie, which includes mushroom hunting, historical weaponry, and an exploration of the tunnels beneath their town. About a third of the way into Friendship, Craig articulates the vision that's behind the increasingly awful things he does: "I can see the future. And it's full of pals helping pals."

See, Craig's life feels pretty empty. At work, he's ignored and despised by the male buddies who bond over smoke breaks, while his teenage son, Stevie (Jack Dylan Grazer), has only a passing interest in hanging with Dad (he prefers helping with mom Tami's floral business). Time hangs heavy on Craig's hands. Wouldn't it be great to have a groovy buddy in the neighborhood, or even a whole circle of male friends to fill his emotional void? So when Austin eventually cools off on Craig's awkward advances, it's hard to blame Craig for his desperate maneuvers. Craig can almost taste a better, more fulfilling life, and so he throws away what he's already got, Aesop dog-with-bone style. As over the top as Craig's downfall is, we get it. We get it. And as sad as it is to say, most viewers (especially those in and around midlife), gender notwithstanding, will relate.