New Movies: Adult Best Friends (2024) by Delaney Buffett: A Hilarious and Heartfelt Look at Evolving Friendships

Core Summary: An Engaged Woman's Trip with Her Codependent Best Friend Spirals into Hilarious Chaos Adult Best Friends (2024), directed by and co-written by Delaney Buffett (who also stars), alongside co-writer and star Katie Corwin, is a comedy that dives into the often-messy evolution of lifelong friendships. When Katie plans a nostalgic trip to their childhood hometown with her best friend, Delaney, her intention is to gently break the news of her engagement. However, their journey quickly devolves into a series of unexpected and bizarre encounters with quirky locals, old classmates, a bachelor party, and new romantic interests, forcing them to confront the changing dynamics of their codependent bond as they navigate the transition from young adulthood to midlife.

Summary Short: A woman's engagement news triggers a chaotic nostalgic trip with her codependent best friend, leading to hilarious misadventures and a re-evaluation of their evolving friendship.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31778094/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/adult-best-friends-review-1236032016/

About movie: https://adultbestfriends.com/

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/adult-best-friends (US), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/adult-best-friends (Spain)

Detailed Summary: Navigating Life's Changes, One Trip at a Time

• Film Overview: Adult Best Friends (2024) is an American comedy film that marks Delaney Buffett's feature-length directorial debut. She also co-wrote the screenplay with Katie Corwin, who co-stars. The film has a runtime of approximately 90-91 minutes.

• Semi-Autobiographical Premise: The film is intentionally semi-autobiographical, with the lead characters, Katie (Katie Corwin) and Delaney (Delaney Buffett), sharing the names of the real-life best friends and co-creators. While not a "based on a true story" recount, it uses exaggerated versions of their personalities and friendship dynamics for comedic effect.

• The Central Conflict: Katie, the more "straitlaced" friend, is celebrating her engagement to John (Mason Gooding). However, she's anxious about how her "driftless and unambitious" best friend, Delaney, will react to the news.

• The "Girls' Trip": To soften the blow and reconnect, Katie plans a nostalgic trip back to their childhood hometown. This sets the stage for the film's comedic misadventures.

• Unexpected Turns: Their journey is anything but smooth. It takes "unexpected turns courtesy of a bizarre rental homeowner, a chance encounter with a former classmate, a bachelor party, and a few potential love interests." These encounters provide comedic set pieces and force the friends to confront their differing life paths.

• Themes of Friendship and Growing Up: The film explores the serious undertones of growing up, moving on, and the challenges of maintaining lifelong friendships when individuals evolve in different directions. It highlights the "double-guessing that the bridge from young adulthood to midlife steadiness brings about."

• Humor and Relatability: Despite the underlying serious themes, the film promises "plenty of laughs" through "zippy dialogue" and self-deprecating humor, aiming for heartfelt relatability.

• Cast: The film features a strong ensemble cast including Zachary Quinto (also an executive producer), Cazzie David (as Roxy), Alexander Hodge (as Theo), Carmen Christopher (as Phil), Mason Gooding, Casey Wilson, Heather Mazur, Benjamin Norris, Owen Thiele, and others.

Plot Summary: The Engagement, the Trip, and the Unraveling

• A Milestone and a Dilemma: Katie, the more grounded of two inseparable best friends, is thrilled to be engaged to John. Yet, her excitement is tempered by anxiety: how will Delaney, her codependent and somewhat aimless best friend since childhood, react to this significant life change? Katie values Delaney's opinion above all else.

• The Nostalgic Getaway: To gently deliver the news and reconnect, Katie devises a plan: a nostalgic "girls' trip" back to their shared childhood hometown. She hopes the familiar setting will soften the blow and allow them to reaffirm their bond.

• Chaos Ensues: What begins as a sentimental journey quickly spirals into hilarious chaos. Their trip is derailed by a series of outlandish encounters: a eccentric rental homeowner, an awkward run-in with a former classmate, an unexpected bachelor party, and the appearance of new romantic possibilities. These external distractions amplify the underlying tension between the two friends.

• Diverging Paths: As the trip progresses, the stark differences in Katie and Delaney's lives become undeniable. Katie is embracing adulthood, stability, and commitment, while Delaney grapples with driftlessness, partying, and a resistance to "adulting." The comedic situations highlight their diverging paths and the unspoken resentments that have accumulated.

• The Friendship Tested: The series of misadventures forces Katie and Delaney to confront the evolving nature of their friendship. Can their bond, which has been a lifeline since middle school, withstand these significant changes? The film explores whether they can make space for each other in their new realities, or if their "best moments are only in the past." It's a "precipice" where they must decide if their friendship is meant to endure or if it's time to choose different paths, even if it hurts.

Director's Vision: Delaney Buffett's Semi-Autobiographical Exploration of Modern Friendship Adult Best Friends marks Delaney Buffett's feature-length directorial debut. She also co-wrote the screenplay with Katie Corwin and stars in the film. This multi-hyphenate involvement suggests a highly personal and intentional vision for the film.

• Semi-Autobiographical, Exaggerated Reality: Buffett and Corwin intentionally used their real-life friendship and personalities as a foundation but "shook things up with an exaggerated, almost alternate reality-like presentation." This allowed them to "heighten the contrast" between the characters for comedic effect while maintaining authenticity.

• Blending Humor and Emotion: Buffett's work aims to blend "humor and emotion," delving into themes of "friendship, identity, and personal growth." The goal is to deliver laughs while also exploring the serious undertones of growing up and moving on.

• Authentic Chemistry: By starring themselves and basing the characters on their real friendship, their goal was for their "off-screen chemistry to kind of translate on-screen," making the friendship feel genuine.

• Room for Improv: Zachary Quinto, an executive producer and co-star, praised Buffett's directorial prowess, noting her "attention to detail and openness when it came to allowing the cast to flex their comedic chops with alternative takes," indicating a collaborative and improvisational environment.

• Testament to Enduring Bonds: Ultimately, the film is described as a "true testament to enduring friendship," aiming to make audiences appreciate the bonds that tie people together.

Themes: Friendship (Lifelong, Evolving, Codependent), Adulthood, Personal Growth, Life Transitions (Engagement, Career, Identity), Nostalgia, Communication, Acceptance, and Letting Go.

• Lifelong Female Friendship: The core theme, exploring the challenges and joys of maintaining a deep bond from childhood into adulthood.

• Evolution of Friendship: How friendships change when individuals' lives diverge (e.g., one gets married, the other remains "driftless").

• Codependency: The film explicitly mentions the "codependent" nature of their friendship, exploring its complexities and potential for conflict.

• Navigating Adulthood and Milestones: The anxieties and humorous awkwardness surrounding engagements, career paths, and figuring out one's place in the world as an adult.

• Personal Growth and Self-Acceptance: The journey of both friends coming to terms with who they are and who their friend is becoming.

• Nostalgia vs. Reality: The trip back to their hometown serves as a backdrop for confronting idealized memories with present realities.

• Communication and Honesty: The difficulty of having tough conversations and being honest about feelings within close friendships.

Key Success Factors: Relatable Premise, Real-Life Chemistry, Strong Ensemble Cast, Festival Buzz

• Highly Relatable Premise: The struggles of adult friendships and life transitions are universally understood, making the film resonate with a broad audience.

• Authentic Chemistry: The real-life friendship between co-writers/stars/director Delaney Buffett and Katie Corwin translates to genuine on-screen chemistry.

• Talented Ensemble Cast: The inclusion of popular actors like Zachary Quinto, Mason Gooding, and Cazzie David, alongside comedic talents like Casey Wilson, adds significant appeal.

• Tribeca Festival Premiere: A premiere at a prestigious festival like Tribeca generates early buzz and critical attention.

• Humor with Heart: Promises a balance of genuine laughs and heartfelt emotional moments about friendship.

Summary Short: Tribeca Premiere, Feb 2024 VOD, May 2025 Max Streaming, Buddy Comedy Adult Best Friends (2024), directed by Delaney Buffett and co-written/starring Buffett and Katie Corwin, premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. It became available on digital and VOD platforms on February 28, 2024, distributed by Gravitas Ventures. The film is set to make its SVOD debut on Max on May 2, 2025, and will also air on HBO linear on May 3, 2025. It is a comedy about two childhood best friends whose bond is tested when one announces her engagement.

Awards & Nominations: Tribeca Festival Recognition Adult Best Friends (2024) was an official selection at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, where it was nominated for:

• Founders Award - Best U.S. Narrative Feature

• Best Narrative Feature

While not winning, these nominations at a prominent film festival indicate early critical recognition for the film's narrative and overall quality.

Critics Reception: Mixed to Positive, Praised for Relatability and Leads, Criticized for Overstuffing Critical reception for Adult Best Friends (2024) has been mixed to positive, with common praise for its relatability and the lead performances, but some criticism for its pacing and plot structure.

• Positive Points:

  • Relatability: Critics frequently highlight the film's honest portrayal of "long-time besties often hit[ting] a wall during adult rites of passage." (Matt Pais) and the challenges of maintaining friendships as lives diverge. (Beyond the Cinerama Dome)

  • Authentic Chemistry: The real-life friendship between Delaney Buffett and Katie Corwin is noted as translating well on screen, creating believable and engaging dynamics.

  • Humor: The film is described as delivering "plenty of laughs" (Tribeca Film Festival) and "hilarity in the everyday." (Film Threat)

  • Heartfelt Undertones: Despite the comedy, it touches on serious themes of "growing up and moving on" and appreciating "the bonds that tie us together." (Tribeca Film Festival)

• Common Criticisms:

  • Overstuffed with Subplots/Characters: Screen Rant noted it's "overstuffed with unnecessary characters and subplots that don't add anything to the core relationship beyond distracting it from being."

  • Pacing and Predictability: Some reviews found the script to be "mediocre" and "bland and reheated," suggesting it "starts well and fails badly when it's time to get anything done." (Matt Pais)

  • Lack of Freshness: Comparisons were drawn to films like Bridesmaids or Frances Ha, with some feeling it lacked the unique aesthetic or depth of those predecessors. (Paste Magazine, Matt Pais)

In summary, Adult Best Friends is generally seen as a charming and relatable buddy comedy, powered by the genuine chemistry of its leads, though some critics felt its narrative could have been tighter and more original.

Reviews: Strong Audience Potential Due to Relatability Audience reviews will likely be strong, given the film's highly relatable themes of friendship, evolving lives, and the humor found in everyday adult struggles. The positive reception from the Tribeca Festival and the film's immediate digital and upcoming Max release position it well for broad viewership.

Box Office: Digital/Streaming Focused Adult Best Friends (2024) primarily pursued a digital and streaming release strategy rather than a wide theatrical run.

• Video Release Date: February 28, 2024 (Digital and VOD via Gravitas Ventures).

• SVOD Release (Max): May 2, 2025 (also HBO linear on May 3).

• Given this distribution model, traditional theatrical box office figures would be minimal or non-existent. Its financial success will be measured by VOD sales/rentals and its performance on streaming platforms.

Production Summary: A Passion Project by Co-Creators Adult Best Friends (2024) is an American production.

• Director: Delaney Buffett

• Screenwriters: Delaney Buffett, Katie Corwin

• Producers: Delaney Buffett, Marie Nikolova

• Executive Producers: Zachary Quinto, Katie Corwin, Adam McCurdy, Evan Arnold, Jimmy Seargeant

• Cinematographer: Jessica Pantoja

• Production Designer: Mackenzie McMahon

• Costume Designer: Faithima Wright

• Editor: Ian Holden

• Composer: Alexandra Kalinowski

Production Companies:

• Specific production company not widely listed, but it appears to be an independent production.

Sales Companies:

• Visit Films (for international sales)

Distribution Companies:

• Gravitas Ventures (Digital and VOD in the US)

• Max / HBO (SVOD and linear TV in the US)

Release Date on Streaming:

• Digital & VOD: February 28, 2024

• Max (SVOD): May 2, 2025

• HBO Linear: May 3, 2025

Theatrical Release:

• Limited Theatrical Release: Unspecified, but premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival. Its primary release is digital.

Cast:

• Delaney Buffett as Delaney

• Katie Corwin as Katie

• Mason Gooding as John

• Zachary Quinto as Henry (and Executive Producer)

• Cazzie David as Roxy

• Alexander Hodge as Theo

• Carmen Christopher as Phil

• Casey Wilson

• Heather Mazur as Daria

• Benjamin Norris as Kyle

• Owen Thiele as Luca

• Miki Ishikawa as Gwen

• Hannah Campbell as Mel

• Keeley Karsten as Young Delaney

• Jolie Natalia Handler as Young Katie

• Michael Rowland as Tommy

• Connor Hines as Charlie

• Cory Walls as Dougie

• Holly Bonney as Janet

• Ross Turner as Father of the Bride

Director:

• Delaney Buffett

Why to Recommend this Movie: A Charming and Authentic Take on Adult Friendships

• Highly Relatable: The film captures the often-complex realities of lifelong friendships evolving as individuals navigate adulthood.

• Authentic Chemistry: The real-life bond between co-stars/co-writers/director Delaney Buffett and Katie Corwin shines through, making the friendship feel genuine.

• Balance of Humor and Heart: It offers plenty of laughs alongside heartfelt moments that resonate with anyone who's faced changing dynamics in their friendships.

• Strong Ensemble: A talented cast brings the supporting characters to life, adding to the film's comedic appeal.

• Accessible on Streaming: Easily available on digital platforms and coming to Max, making it convenient to watch.

Why to Watch Movie: If You Cherish Your Best Friends and Love Thoughtful Comedies

• You are interested in comedies that explore the nuances and challenges of adult friendships.

• You appreciate films with a semi-autobiographical touch, offering an authentic perspective.

• You enjoy ensemble casts and sharp, relatable dialogue.

• You're looking for a film that balances humor with emotional depth about growing up and moving on.

• You want to appreciate the bonds that tie us together, even when life gets complicated.

Movie Trend: Modern Buddy Comedies and Semi-Autobiographical Storytelling Adult Best Friends (2024) fits squarely into the trend of "Modern Buddy Comedies," focusing on the dynamics between two friends as they navigate contemporary adult life, often with a humorous and self-deprecating tone. Its semi-autobiographical nature places it within "Auteur-Driven Storytelling," where the creators (Buffett and Corwin) use their personal experiences to craft a relatable narrative. The film also aligns with "Female-Led Comedies" that explore the complexities of women's relationships, moving beyond traditional romantic plots. Its digital-first release strategy with a subsequent SVOD window on Max is also a prominent "Distribution Trend" for independent films.

Social Trend: Evolving Adult Friendships, Quarter-Life Crises, and Millennial/Gen Z Life Stages The film directly addresses the social reality of "Evolving Adult Friendships," where long-standing bonds are challenged by diverging life paths (marriage, career, personal growth). It resonates with the concept of the "Quarter-Life Crisis" or the general anxieties of navigating early to mid-adulthood, particularly for Millennials and Gen Z, as they grapple with career uncertainty, relationship milestones, and defining personal identity. The emphasis on communication and the choice to either maintain or let go of friendships reflects a broader societal conversation about the importance and complexity of "Chosen Families" and the prioritization of mental well-being in relationships.

Final Verdict: A Hugely Relatable and Laugh-Out-Loud Ode to Friendship Adult Best Friends (2024) is a genuinely charming and often hilarious comedy that captures the messy, heartwarming reality of evolving adult friendships. Delaney Buffett's directorial debut, co-written and co-starred with Katie Corwin, shines with authentic chemistry and relatable scenarios. While it might have some structural imperfections, its honest portrayal of navigating life changes with your ride-or-die pal makes it a must-watch. Prepare to laugh, perhaps shed a tear, and definitely call your best friend afterward. It's a true testament to the enduring, if sometimes challenging, bonds that define us.

Recommendations for Filmmakers (for similar projects): Crafting Authentic & Relatable Comedies

• Mine Personal Experiences: Leverage your own relationships and life stages to create authentic and relatable narratives.

• Prioritize Chemistry: If focusing on a friendship, ensure genuine chemistry between your leads, whether through casting real-life friends or extensive workshops.

• Embrace Humor in Relatability: Find the comedy in everyday struggles and awkward social situations, which resonate deeply with audiences.

• Balance Comedy with Heart: Allow for moments of genuine emotion and reflection, giving the humor more depth and impact.

• Consider Multi-Hyphenate Roles: If you have a clear vision, directing, writing, and starring can create a cohesive and personal film.

Recommendations for Movie Industry (for similar films): Supporting Authentic Relationship Dramedies

• Invest in Relatable, Character-Driven Comedies: There's a strong audience for films that explore real-life relationship challenges with humor and authenticity.

• Seek Out Emerging Talent: Directors/writers like Delaney Buffett and Katie Corwin who bring fresh, personal perspectives are valuable assets.

• Prioritize Ensemble Casting: Strong supporting casts can elevate a film and add to its appeal.

• Utilize Hybrid Distribution Models: Maximize reach through initial digital/VOD releases followed by premium streaming windows.

• Market the Emotional Core: Beyond the laughs, emphasize the film's heartfelt exploration of friendship and personal growth.

Final Conclusions: Adult Best Friends - A Hilarious and Honest Mirror to Our Friendships Adult Best Friends (2024) is a delightful and insightful comedy that offers a much-needed look at the enduring, yet ever-changing, nature of adult friendships. Delaney Buffett, in her impressive directorial debut, along with Katie Corwin, delivers a film brimming with authentic humor and heartfelt moments. It’s a highly relatable journey that reminds us that even when life takes unexpected turns, true best friends are the ones who stick by us, through all the laughs, tears, and awkward encounters.