Fwends (2025)

-Written by Zach Troxel.

In Fwends, we follow two estranged females at the beginning of their true adult lives. Each friend features a complex background of trauma that has yet to be divulged and revealed. What seems like a simple girls’ trip actually becomes a more cathartic time of growth and learning.

Sophie Somerville and Melissa Gan are expected to carry the entire weight of the film. The ultimate and unique style of a heavy, dialogue-centric film is quite intriguing. The film tries to balance the simple goal of not only entertaining an audience but also resonating with it. Themes such as misogyny, mental health, and self-worth are all at the forefront of the narrative.

This film is fundamentally unique—from the camera work to the structure. The idea of simply following these two characters along for less than a 24-hour period seems challenging to achieve. However, through Somerville’s direction, they manage to make the scenes fit seamlessly.

Fwends uses its cinematography to its advantage…for the most part. Director of Photography Carter Looker brings a unique style which is welcomed from start to finish. The camera and view for the audience feel observational, allowing everything that evolves to play out smoothly. We rotate between one-shots and wide shots. Later on in the film, there are choices made to try to be creative with the visuals. I view this as an attempt that doesn’t necessarily fail, but it isn’t a big hit either. The third act can almost take you out of the story. However, over three-fourths of this film is beautiful in the cinematographic aspect because of how consistently well devised it is.

Due to the structure of the film, the dialogue needs to be intriguing enough to elaborate on the rather bland premise. Fwends does exactly that. We are able to feel the weight of past experiences for each character through their words and the way the characters are simply and explicitly depicted.

Furthermore, the conversations between the characters are elevated by the elite sound design. Rather than relying on an overlaying soundtrack, fast editing, or dramatic sound effects, Fwends allows for background noises and natural pauses to add to the realism of the film as a whole. We experience some simple world-building, and that creates a unique personality. The personality of this film is simply an aesthetic, and its audience is here for it.

What truly elevates this film from average to great is the tackling of intense themes. Whether the themes are more psychological or physical, Fwends is a good depiction of real-world experiences in the 2020s.

Mental health is at the forefront of this film. In the beginning, we can see a clear separation between our reuniting friends. We know there is something that they are not ready to express with words or to share with someone else. The slow burn of all of the trauma is absolutely epic. The way that each conversation unfolds while continuing to gain momentum in the narrative is masterful writing.

The biggest challenge throughout Fwends is choosing between a mind of pessimism and optimism. The main characters initially start on opposite sides before coming to different conclusions. This film’s biggest strength is its cohesion; it knows what story it wants to tell and how it will unfold. From the opening scene to the credits rolling, you will feel like you’ve just completed an epic and complete journey.

The beauty of communication is so great, yet so complex, and this film challenges all sides of communication, whether it refers to misogyny, narcissism, anxiety, or joy. They tackle each well. The joy is hard to witness because of the underlying trauma caused by misogyny and narcissism. Yet, after those problems are worked through, we begin to see the walls of tension break down, and we see our characters gain control over their lives once again.

The only true shortcomings present in Fwends are more technical. Those expectations begin to evaporate once you’re caught up in the dialogue. However, there are some seriously choppy transitions. I also found some choices near the third act to be quite odd. I feel that going in a slightly different direction with the characters and their relationship could have benefited the narrative. More specifically, in the climax of the film.

However, my favorite feature of this film is the discussion of self-worth. Both of these characters lack that identity, either entirely or slightly. Yet, there is this deep conversation on why we matter as humanity. Each person has a chance to view life as a win-win or a lose-lose. Truly, everything that happens in this film and in reality is based on perspective.

Overall, Fwends is a film worth checking out. It is unique, quirky, fundamentally sound, and ultimately a heartwarming tale. Its performances, dialogue, cinematography, and themes all contribute to a larger narrative. A story centered around trauma bonding is exactly what the world needs to process its own trauma. This film asks deep questions, and after a watch, you’ll challenge yourself with how you perceive the world and your own self-worth.

Directed by Sophie Somerville.

Written by Sophie Somerville, Emmanuelle Mattana, & Melissa Gan.

Starring Emmanuelle Mattana & Melissa Gan.

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING