Watch Friends

Friends (with Benefits) is a 2009 independent movie starring Margaret Laney, Alex Brown, and Anne Petersen. Directed by Gorman Bechard, it is a plethora of melodrama and romance weaved into a comedic storyline. The title quite suitably represents the movie where 'friends' are seen partaking in adult consensual activities without the complications or perhaps, the neat advantages of a committed relationship. The story mocks the simplicity of the youth's strategy to suppress emotional complications in an age where the problematic world of dating often feels unfeasibly challenging.

The story unfolds in the quiet provincial town of Madison, Connecticut. We follow the lives of two childhood friends, Chloe (Margaret Laney) and Owen (Alex Brown). They have a rather unconventional pact: they promise themselves to each other if neither finds true love before they turn thirty. It’s a playful and well-meaning arrangement between two childhood best friends who are not yet ready to face the adult world outside their comfort zone.

Chloe is a beautiful, talented, and slightly neurotic woman. She's a brilliant doctor with a witty sense of humor and vulnerability that makes her character relatable and endearing. On the other hand, Owen, a former athlete with a sensitive soul wrapped in a guy's casual nonchalance, is a struggling writer. His engaging yet self-deprecating humor adds a unique layer to his persona. Their chemistry is visible and believable, erasing the divide between the screen and the audience.

As they navigate through their twenties, they introduce the 'benefits' into their equation. Their theory revolves around the concept of engaging in making love while maintaining their friendship, sans the wrenching complications that often come with romance. Their journey experiments with the idea of friends converting into lovers while keeping their friendship intact.

This romantic comedy takes a hilarious dive into the complex world of modern dating. Yet, it carries a unique sense of rawness of human emotion. Despite being a comedy, the drama never undermines its characters' struggles with their personal and professional decisions. The film offers a timeless insight into the age-old question - can a man and a woman be just friends? Particularly if they've tagged along an added benefit.

As the story progresses, other characters enter their lives adding extra depth and complexity. Anne Petersen is Kendall, Chloe's roommate. Her wild, unabashed approach to casual relationships provides a stark contrast to Chloe's reserved persona and throws light on the diverse mindsets prevailing today.

The movie incorporates its humor through sharp dialogues and interesting scenarios that happen after they introduce the 'benefits' into their friendship. The awkward situations, inevitable jealousy, and denial of underlying feelings ensure an interesting and entertaining watch throughout the film.

The film doesn't shy away from showing the chaos of modern-day relationships. Instead, it presents a realistic portrayal of it through its characters. Despite the fun and laughter, the film also underlines the uncomfortable reality of no-strings-attached relationships and the emotional tug of war that comes with it. Besides, it captures the universal themes of growing up, coming to terms with one's feelings, and the vulnerability that's part and parcel of it.

Friends (with Benefits) is a movie that courageously portrays the intricacies of modern relationships and society's changing approach towards love and sex. It takes the audience on a ride full of laughter and self-reflection. Bolstered by commendable performances and witty dialogues, the film strikes a balance between fun and thought-provoking drama. It encourages viewers to question the conventional norms of relationships while providing an enjoyable cinematic experience.

Director Gorman Bechard's much-lauded independent film, Friends (with Benefits), is a rare find that explores the complexities of young love with humor and heart. It promises a good laugh, pulling heartstrings, and a thought-provoking narrative—a hearty cinematic delight for those who cherish rom-coms with a dose of reality and intelligence.

Friends is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.