Paul Rudd is making waves at SXSW this year, headlining two of the festival’s most talked-about films: Friendship and Death of a Unicorn. These films, though wildly different in tone and style, showcase the versatility of both Rudd and their respective directors, Andrew DeYoung and Alex Scharfman. JustWatch sat down with both filmmakers to discuss what makes their projects stand out.
Friendship: A Hilariously Painful Look at Middle-Aged Male Bonds
Directed by Andrew DeYoung, Friendship is a refreshingly awkward and darkly funny take on adult male relationships. Starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson, the film is inspired by DeYoung’s own experience of feeling burned by a potential friend—a story he describes as “pretty pathetic but also pretty funny.”
DeYoung explains his approach:
“We filmed Friendship like a drama because that helps the humor hit harder. The Killing of a Sacred Deer was a huge inspiration because it blended tension with humor, letting audiences laugh off the suspense.”
With its mix of dry humor and emotional depth, Friendship gives audiences a fresh take on platonic breakups, offering a dose of relatability with its comedic pain.
🔗 Watch Friendship: JustWatch
Death of a Unicorn: A Darkly Comedic Creature Feature
On the other end of the spectrum, Alex Scharfman’s Death of a Unicorn reimagines unicorn mythology through a horror-comedy lens. Starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, the film blends suspense, humor, and generational themes in a way that Scharfman hopes will resonate with audiences.
“Death of a Unicorn is a love letter to so many of the movies that made me want to make movies. I also hope audiences enjoy the generational element of the story, with Jenna Ortega, our Gen Z protagonist, trying to reconcile the world she’s inherited from the generations above her.”
The film delivers a thrilling mix of social commentary and fantastical horror, making it a standout in this year’s festival lineup.
🔗 Watch Death of a Unicorn: JustWatch
Why These Films Are Must-Sees
Both Friendship and Death of a Unicorn prove that Paul Rudd is as comfortable navigating painfully real social dynamics as he is battling mythical creatures. With two talented directors at the helm, SXSW audiences are in for a treat—whether they’re in the mood for brutally relatable comedy or an imaginative horror-comedy adventure.
