Watch Friends Like These

Friends Like These is a heartwarming and poignant Canadian indie film that explores the complex nature of male friendship, grief, and forgiveness. At the center of the film is Josh (Josh Romyn), a struggling musician who is haunted by the tragic death of his best friend, Joey (David Laurence), who died in a car accident years ago. As Josh navigates life without his friend, he grapples with intense feelings of guilt, regret, and anger, as well as a profound sense of loss.

At the start of the film, Josh is living a solitary existence in a small apartment, working as a barista, and playing music in his spare time. He is estranged from his former bandmates, who are now successful and signed to a record label. Josh's ex-girlfriend, Becca (Lissa Neptuno), is still his friend and confidant, but even their relationship is strained by his grief and depression.

One day, Josh receives a call from Joey's brother, Malcolm (Frankie Cena), who is trying to set up a reunion of Joey's old friends in honor of his birthday. Josh is hesitant at first but eventually agrees to attend the gathering, which takes place at Joey's favorite bar. There, he reconnects with old friends, including Sonia (Katherine Barrell), Alex (Joel Keller), and Derek (Andrew Bee), and meets new friends, like the eccentric artist Charlie (Glen Gordon).

Over the course of the night, Josh and his friends reminisce about Joey, telling stories about his life, his passions, and his quirks. They also reveal their own struggles and regrets, sharing their own experiences with grief, loss, and love. Josh is forced to confront his own demons, as he realizes that he has not fully accepted Joey's death or moved on with his own life.

As the night wears on, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and old wounds are reopened. Josh's relationship with Becca is tested when she reveals that she has started seeing someone new, and his relationship with Sonia is complicated when they begin to explore a romantic connection. Ultimately, though, the group comes together to celebrate Joey's life and legacy, finding solace in their shared memories and deepening their bonds of friendship.

What sets Friends Like These apart from other films about grief and loss is its emphasis on the importance of male friendship and vulnerability. As Josh and his friends grapple with their emotions and experiences, they are able to find comfort and support in one another, even as they confront difficult truths and uncomfortable feelings. The film also touches on themes of forgiveness and redemption, as Josh learns to forgive himself for his perceived failures and shortcomings, and finds a sense of peace in moving forward with his life.

The performances in Friends Like These are top-notch, with Romyn and Laurence delivering standout performances as best friends torn apart by tragedy. Romyn captures Josh's pain and turmoil with nuance and sensitivity, while Laurence imbues Joey with an infectious energy and charisma. The rest of the ensemble cast is equally strong, with each actor bringing depth and vulnerability to their roles.

Director James R.W. Lopes infuses the film with a warm, intimate tone, capturing the close-knit camaraderie of the group with a naturalistic style. The music in the film, much of which is performed by Romyn himself, adds an additional layer of emotional resonance, underscoring the film's themes of love, loss, and hope.

In sum, Friends Like These is a powerful and moving film that explores the complexities of grief, friendship, and the human experience. With its authentic performances, thoughtful writing, and heartfelt direction, it is a must-see for fans of character-driven dramas and indie cinema.

Friends Like These is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 52 minutes.