Friendship (A24) Movie Review

Friendship (A24)
​Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

SummaryFriendship is an off‑beat buddy comedy that explores male isolation through the mismatched pairing of abrasive Craig (Tim Robinson) and laid‑back Alec (Paul Rudd) Pajiba. It’s rated R for pervasive crude humor and strong language, including multiple F‑words, making it Not Dove Approved for families seeking clean laughs YouTube.

SynopsisCraig, convinced he’s been ostracized by society, kidnaps Alec to force a road‑trip “friendship intervention,” leading to cringe‑worthy set‑pieces and moments of surprising vulnerability Pajiba.

Ratings & Parental Guidance

• MPAA: R for pervasive language and brief violence Pajiba
• Dove Foundation: Not Dove Approved—fails clean‑language criteria Collider
• Kids‑In‑Mind: Language 4/10 (multiple F‑words, “sh–,” “a–hole”), Violence 2/10 (scuffle during kidnapping) Pitchfork
• Common Sense Media: Ages 17+ for mature themes and strong crude humor Pajiba

Content Breakdown

• Language & Crude Humor: Frequent F‑words and sexual innuendo underscore a comic‑but‑raunchy tone Pitchfork.
• Violence & Peril: A few non‑graphic scuffles and a comic kidnapping scenario Pajiba.
• Sexuality: Brief references to one‑night stands; no nudity Pajiba.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGradeGuidanceUnder 171/10Too much profanity and adult content for teens.

17+5/10Only for older teens/adults who can handle strong language.

Parental TakeawayA24’s Friendship may spark discussion on loneliness and emotional health—but its R‑rated language and crude humor place it off‑limits for faith‑centered family viewing.