Henry (Brener) has a perfect weekend to look forward to. A couple of days away in Palm Springs with his girlfriend Penny (Lourd), relaxing, recharging, and romancing. However, Henry’s lifelong pal Paul (Guillén) decides he wants in as well and ensures he becomes the third wheel, and, in doing so, derails any chance Henry and Penny had of a drama-free, stress-free weekend. Think chaos, confrontations, and a few cuddles too.

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Despite it being a comedy at heart, That Friend possesses a large dose of heart that propels it along, even in times when the humour stumbles. It also explores the very real complexities of friendship and growing older. Friends who may have been inseparable as youngsters eventually grow up, and begin drifting in different directions in life. Whether due to careers, relationships, maturity, it can happen right in front of our eyes and the film does a solid job examining the inevitable ramifications and fallout.

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The comedy throughout relies mainly on the escalating scenarios the friends find themselves in, and viewers’ mileage may vary, especially when it comes to the character of Paul. His firecracker energy may not work for everyone, however, Guillén delivers a great performance. He balances comedic timing, charisma, and pathos extremely well to elevate a character that ran the risk of being overkill. Through the chaos, he remains extremely watchable and provides the majority of the film’s emotion.

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The enthusiasm of the cast in general keeps the momentum rolling forward, even when the film threatens to implode narratively. Brener is solid as a man trying to hold everything together despite the changes happening around him (until he has had enough), and Lourd provides an earnest, grounding performance between them.

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Despite the differences in their attitudes and behaviours, neither Paul nor Henry is presented as the “bad guy” or the “good guy”. Instead, you are able to empathize with them even in the more awkward situations, leaving the weightier moments to carry greater depth later in the film. It’s this depth that delivers the strongest elements of That Friend. As the story unfolds and the wild situations escalate further, the film also becomes more reflective building to an emotionally earned finale, and Guillén shines brightest during these moments.

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Outside of the main cast, the supporting gang aren’t afforded as much depth or attention as the film thunders through its brisk runtime. With a little more time devoted to the wider cast, the film may have provided some welcome respite from its hectic momentum. Similarly, a greater focus on witty or sharp gags or punchlines over the increasing pandemonium may have allowed for some, at times needed, breathing room. That said, somehow the craziness feels at home in That Friend. The characters are set up in ways that allow the bonkers events around them and their reactions to them to not feel out of place. 

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Without the warmth and relatable emotion simmering beneath the surface, That Friend would probably have been merely entertaining. Instead, it becomes a heartfelt, unapologetic comedy, brimming with genuine sincerity, about friendships, changes, and the imperfect process of growing up and growing apart.