Your Friends And Neighbors Review: Jon Hamm Returns To Form In Apple TV+’s Dark Comedy

by

Each time Jon Hamm appears on a cast roster, we secretly hope that he’s found a role worthy of his talent, much like the one he had in “Mad Men”. The series “Your Friends and Neighbors”, a dark crime comedy, comes close. Hamm delivers a compelling portrayal as a hedge fund millionaire who turns to burglary following his job loss. However, despite Hamm’s captivating screen presence, the show struggles with its own set of problems, making it challenging for us to fully immerse ourselves in the escapades of “Your Friends and Neighbors”.

As I find myself in the familiar confines of a dimly lit tavern, I’m not exactly basking in triumph. My marriage with Mel has crumbled, and to add insult to injury, I stumbled upon her betrayal with one of my closest friends. Now, I’m back on the dating scene, nursing a whiskey, trying to recall the dance moves of courtship that once felt so natural. However, I’ve no idea that life is about to throw me another curveball.

Following an impromptu encounter with a coworker from another department at his hedge fund, he gets let go for breaching the firm’s no-fraternization rule. Now without a job and living a lavish lifestyle, he finds himself pondering ways to maintain it. At a gathering among affluent friends, he becomes increasingly curious about the casual displays of wealth and wonders if anyone would notice if certain items were missing. This sets the stage for his new venture as a freelance thief.

Robbing the rich: a victimless crime?

In terms of its crime drama nature, “Your Friends and Neighbors” largely hinges on Jon Hamm’s performance. Similar to his character Don Draper in “Mad Men,” Hamm’s character isn’t always easy to support, but there’s an undeniable allure to this affluent white man that keeps viewers hooked, even when we don’t want to be. The series strategically incorporates instances that suggest his underlying kindness, such as his sensitive handling of his sister’s mental health struggles. However, a significant part of the appeal lies with Hamm himself, who gives depth to a character we might not naturally empathize with.

In essence, the movie “Your Friends and Neighbors” presents a wealthier character named Cooper who resides in an exclusive gated community. Initially, he indulges in materialistic pleasures, but upon losing his fortune, he starts to critique these luxuries and the people around him. However, his sudden moralizing about consumerism feels inconsistent given his previous lifestyle. The film aims to comment on the wealthy class, yet it fails to subtly convey its message as Cooper was not so different from others in his circle before his financial downfall. In the year 2025, this simplistic portrayal of the rich may come across as uninspiring or insufficiently profound.

A seven-episode season makes for weird pacing

As a passionate viewer, I must confess that “Your Friends and Neighbors” struggles with an unusual rhythm in its narrative flow. The first season, comprising seven episodes, shares the widespread issue of finding its groove at the finale’s doorstep. In the initial stages, Cooper often finds himself alone or isolated, which leads to prolonged monologues that make the series feel sluggish.

However, when Cooper interacts with others—his sister, ex-wife, kids, or his partner in crime—the show truly shines. Regrettably, these engaging moments are not frequent enough until deep into the season. If the series is renewed for another season, there’s a chance to pick up where we left off and hopefully delve more into the relationships that breathe life into this story. For now, it takes some time before I find myself genuinely invested in its progression.

While we want to clarify, these comments are criticisms, not indications of the show being unworthy. On the contrary, as the season progresses, you find yourself becoming increasingly engrossed. Though it may start off slowly, by the end, most of its problems have been ironed out. Jon Hamm delivers a brilliant performance, embodying nihilism in a way that suits him perfectly. He gets to showcase his humor, something we know he enjoys, but with a dry, sarcastic twist. Initially, the first few episodes might seem tiresome due to the overwhelming antagonism towards Cooper’s character, but as time passes, it becomes evident that this is merely his perspective. His relationships are more intricate and layered than they initially appear. “Your Friends and Neighbors” isn’t flawless, but with Hamm in the cast, it’s certainly worth giving a shot.

“Your Friends and Neighbors” is now streaming on Apple TV+. 

Read More

2025-04-11 23:30