‘Adult Best Friends’ Review: A Nostalgic Look at Codependency and Growing Up

ReviewsIndependent FilmFilmComedyWoman to WatchNew MovieMoviesTrailersActorsDirectorsWritersFilm FestivalOpinionDrama

Mar 4

**Courtesy of Gravitas Ventures** - LtR Katie Corwin as Katie, Delaney Buffett as Delaney

Adult Best Friends is a nostalgic exploration of the evolving friendships that shape our lives. But does growing up necessarily mean growing together?

Friendships evolve, but what happens when one person outgrows the dynamic? Adult Best Friends explores this all-too-familiar phenomenon in a comedy that blends heartfelt reflections with sharp humor. The feature debut from Delaney Buffett, who co-writes and co-stars alongside Katie Corwin, navigates the growing pains of a lifelong friendship as one half of the duo matures into adulthood while the other clings to their carefree past.

Aiming for a blend of Bridesmaids camaraderie and Walking and Talking sincerity, Adult Best Friends delivers strong chemistry between its leads but falters in its execution, leaving some comedic and emotional beats underdeveloped. While the film finds moments of relatability and charm, its lackluster direction and scattered pacing prevent it from being a standout in the indie comedy genre.

Navigating the Challenges of Growing Up & Moving on

Katie (Corwin) and Delaney (Buffett) have been inseparable since childhood, bound by inside jokes, shared experiences, and the belief that nothing could come between them. However, when Katie’s devoted boyfriend John (Mason Gooding) proposes, she hesitates to break the news to Delaney, fearing how it will change their relationship.

To soften the blow, she plans a nostalgic weekend getaway to their beloved childhood beach town, hoping to deliver the news in familiar surroundings. But what starts as a sentimental retreat turns into a chaotic adventure, thanks to a bizarre Airbnb host (Cory Walls), an unexpected run-in with a former classmate, and a surprise bachelor party. The weekend’s misadventures bring long-simmering tensions to the surface, forcing both women to confront their evolving identities and what their friendship truly means.

A Duo That Feels Lived-In

**Courtesy of Gravitas Ventures** - LtR Delaney Buffett as Delaney, Katie Corwin as Katie

One of the film’s greatest strengths is the undeniable chemistry between Buffett and Corwin. Their real-life friendship translates effortlessly to the screen, creating an authenticity that makes their characters’ bond believable. Buffett brings a chaotic, free-spirited energy to Delaney, perfectly balancing Corwin’s more reserved and responsible Katie. Their banter feels organic, and their arguments resonate with emotional depth, capturing the bittersweet reality of outgrowing a relationship that once felt like home.

Supporting performances are more uneven. Zachary Quinto, as Katie’s impatient older brother, does his best with limited material, while Cazzie David and Casey Wilson steal scenes in their brief appearances. However, some side characters, like Carmen Christopher’s party-obsessed sidekick, fall flat, relying too heavily on one-note humor that wears thin quickly.

Uneven Execution with Sparks of Wit & a lot of heart

**Courtesy of Gravitas Ventures** - LtR Delaney Buffett as Delaney, Cazzie David as Roxy

Buffett’s script, co-written with Corwin, is at its best when it leans into the raw, often unspoken emotions of friendship and change. There are moments of genuine insight into the fear of losing your closest companion to adulthood, marriage, and responsibility. A particularly well-crafted scene sees Delaney lashing out at Katie for "abandoning" her, a sentiment many will find painfully relatable.

Unfortunately, much of the film’s humor relies on unevenly paced bits, with some comedic moments landing well (a clever Benedict Arnold joke stands out), while others—such as an extended gag about dog excrement—feel forced and unnecessary. The visual storytelling is also repetitive; too many scenes are shot in standard medium close-ups, giving the film a static, made-for-TV aesthetic rather than a cinematic feel.

A Holofcener-Inspired Attempt That Almost Works

**Courtesy of Gravitas Ventures** - LtR Katie Corwin as Katie, Mason Gooding as John

Adult Best Friends attempts to channel the sharp wit and observational humor of Nicole Holofcener’s work, particularly Walking and Talking (1996), which similarly explores the strain placed on female friendships by adulthood. While Holofcener excels in layering humor with poignant social commentary, Buffett’s directorial approach lacks the same level of nuance and visual ingenuity. The premise is promising, but the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, wavering between heartfelt sincerity and over-the-top absurdity.

POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP

A Heartfelt but Uneven look at Friendship & Growing up

Adult Best Friends captures the bittersweet growing pains of long-term friendships but doesn’t quite find its footing as either a comedy or a drama. Buffett and Corwin deliver compelling performances that elevate the film’s emotional stakes, but the uninspired direction and inconsistent humor hold it back from being truly memorable.

For those who have ever felt their best friend slipping away into another phase of life, this film will hit home. However, its inability to balance comedic highs with narrative depth makes it more of an interesting watch than an essential one. Buffett and Corwin clearly have chemistry and writing potential—perhaps their next project will refine these elements into something greater.