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Friends with Kids
Friends with Kids
Friends with Kids
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Friends with Kids
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJennifer Westfeldt
Written byJennifer Westfeldt
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyWilliam Rexer II
Edited byTara Timpone
Music byMarcelo Zarvos and The 88
Production
companies
Distributed byLionsgate
Roadside Attractions
Release dates
  • September 9, 2011 (2011-09-09) (TIFF)
  • March 9, 2012 (2012-03-09) (United States)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget<$10 million[1]
Box office$13 million[2]

Friends with Kids is a 2011 American romantic comedy film written, produced, and directed by Jennifer Westfeldt, who also stars in the film. Adam Scott, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris O'Dowd, Megan Fox, and Edward Burns also star in the film.

Plot

[edit]

Jason (an advertising executive) and Julie (a charitable investment advisor) are longtime best friends now in their mid-30s that live in the same building in Manhattan. Not romantically involved, they are close friends with two childless married couples, the placid Alex and Leslie and the sex-obsessed Ben and Missy.

During the next four years, after both couples have children, their marriages suffer. Following a chaotic birthday party for Jason at Alex and Leslie's place in Brooklyn, Jason and Julie discuss how it would be better to have children first, to 'get it out of the way' since 'time is running out', and only then meet the person that you wanted to marry.

After more discussion, Jason and Julie decide to have a child together, despite never having had romantic feelings for each other, and then to continue to date other people, to find 'their one'. Although their friends predict disaster, they adjust to their new relationship with baby Joe far better than their friends had imagined.[3]

Jason and Julie begin dating again and enter into budding relationships with young actress Mary Jane and divorced father Kurt, respectively. During a couples winter getaway in Vermont, Ben calls Jason and Julie's thought process and parenting skills into question. In the ensuing argument, Ben decries their arrangement as untenable in the long term and humiliates Missy. Jason defends his decision to have a child with Julie, saying that he loves her deeply and that she was the soundest choice of person for him to start a family with.

After returning from Vermont, Ben and Missy separate and later divorce. Shortly thereafter, at Julie's birthday dinner out (about 18 months after Joe's birth), Jason is surprised to find that she invited only him. Julie tells him that Kurt wants her to meet his children that weekend but that this new degree of commitment has made her realize that she is in love with Jason, who, along with Joe, have become her closest family.

A stunned Jason tells Julie that his love for her has never been romantic and has asked Mary Jane to move in with him. Heartbroken, Julie leaves the restaurant, and soon moves out of her Manhattan apartment to Brooklyn, putting some space between herself and Jason. A few months thereafter, Jason and Mary Jane break up over their differing feelings about children, and both Julie and Jason return to dating others.

Several months later, at a bar with Ben, Jason confides that he does have feelings for Julie, but that their messy split makes acting on such feelings impossible. Ben disagrees, noting the differences between his and Missy's sex-based relationship and Jason and Julie's long-lasting friendship.

Shortly before Julie's next birthday, after dropping 2+1⁄2-year-old Joe off at Julie's house after a day out, Jason presents her with a present: a photo scrapbook of the couple, and then the three of them (that he'd made for her birthday prior, but she never received due to their abrupt parting), consistent with Julie's prior statement that Jason and Joe were her family. They reminisce over several of the photos and then put Joe to bed, after Jason says a few things about 'staying the night' (as Joe wants him to).

Jason's emotional shift and words make Julie emotional and uncomfortable, so she sends Jason home. He leaves, but quickly returns, and tells her what he said to her a year ago was all wrong. Jason finally realized it—Julie is the love of his life, she is his 'person', "and that's just the way it is". She tells him she can't be with someone who isn't 'into' her, and he, after a passionate kiss, offers to have sex with her to prove he is into her, in every possible way. Julie accepts his offer, passionately kisses Jason back, and they tumble onto her bed.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Friends with Kids was directed, written, produced and stars Jennifer Westfeldt.[3] This was her directorial debut.[4] Her then-partner, actor Jon Hamm, also agreed to play a supporting part and help produce her feature film.[3] The idea for Friends With Kids had been floating around after Westfeldt and Hamm noticed that friends were starting to have families and 'all but disappearing from their lives.' Cast member Adam Scott admitted that the couple's suspicion was not baseless, as he and his wife had become "the worst friends to Jen and Jon because we were so busy" after getting married and having children.[1] She was encouraged to move forward with her idea after an informal reading of the screenplay took place at her and Hamm's home in late 2010.

It was always planned that Hamm would star in the movie, but in a role where he would not be paired-up with his real-life partner.[1] However, this left only a few months open between when Hamm finished doing the fourth season of Mad Men and would resume for a fifth to get Friends with Kids off the ground and ready to shoot. According to one of the producers, resources for the production were easy to find. "The impossible algorithm is to line up the cast, the calendar and the cash in such a way that you get to make the movie", said co-producer Joshua Astrachan. "It just never is that easy to put an independent film together."[1]

Principal photography lasted for four weeks,[5] beginning in New York during December 2010[4] and carrying out into early 2011.[6] With a budget of less than US$10 million, Friends with Kids was made by Red Granite Pictures, Points West Pictures, and Locomotive. Red Granite Pictures led by Riza Aziz and Joey McFarland also fully financed the film and distributed it internationally through Red Granite's distribution arm led by Danny Dimbort and Christian Mercuri.[1][3]

The soundtrack to the film featured many Jazz staples including Duke Ellington's "Angelica", which is performed by Brian Newman, Alex Smith, Paul Francis, and Steve Whipple.

Release

[edit]
Jennifer Westfeldt, Adam Scott, Jon Hamm, Megan Fox at TIFF 2011

The film premiered at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2011.[7] On September 21, 2011, Lionsgate announced that it had acquired the distribution rights to the film.[8]

It was released in the United States and Canada on March 9, 2012, Sweden on June 1, 2012, and Australia on June 7, 2012.

Critical response

[edit]

Friends with Kids received mostly positive reviews from critics. The film received a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 151 reviews and an average rating of 6.5/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Sharp, shrewd, and funny, Friends with Kids features excellent performances that help smooth over some of the story's more conventional elements."[9] On Metacritic, the film has a score of 55 out of 100 based on 36 reviews, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[10]

Home media

[edit]

The DVD was released on July 17, 2012.[11] It includes audio commentaries, deleted scenes, a blooper reel and an 8 minute mini-featurette on why the film came to be made.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Friends with Kids

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Friends with Kids is a 2011 American film written, produced, and directed by , who also stars as Julie, a single woman navigating life in . The story centers on Julie and her best friend (played by ), who decide to have a child together while maintaining a platonic relationship to sidestep the strains that parenthood often places on romantic partnerships. The film explores the dynamics of their close-knit group of friends, including couples and Missy ( and ) and Annie and Robbie ( and ), as they confront the realities of marriage, infidelity, and family life. Westfeldt's feature directorial debut draws from her experiences and features a screenplay that blends humor with poignant observations on modern relationships and parenting. The ensemble cast, reuniting several actors from previous collaborations like the Saturday Night Live alumni Wiig, Rudolph, and Hamm, delivers sharp dialogue in a narrative that premiered at the on September 9, 2011, before receiving a in the United States on March 9, 2012. With a runtime of 100 minutes and an estimated budget of $10 million, the film grossed $13 million worldwide, earning a mixed critical reception with a 66% approval rating on based on 150 reviews.

Synopsis and cast

Plot

Jason (Adam Scott) and Julie (Jennifer Westfeldt), longtime best friends in their mid-30s living in adjacent apartments in , observe the deteriorating marriages of their close-knit group of friends after each couple has children. The film opens with a chaotic birthday party for Jason at the Brooklyn home of friends and Leslie, where the stresses of parenthood are evident in the exhausted parents and screaming kids. Driving home, Jason and Julie lament how relationships change post-kids and decide to conceive a child together through , agreeing to co-parent platonically without romantic entanglement to preserve their friendship and avoid the pitfalls they've seen in their friends' lives. Nine months later, Julie gives birth to their son, and the pair splits custody evenly, maintaining separate romantic pursuits while sharing parenting duties efficiently. Their circle includes Ben (Jon Hamm) and Missy (Kristen Wiig), whose once-passionate marriage has devolved into constant sniping and resentment over childcare; and Alex (Chris O'Dowd) and Leslie (Maya Rudolph), who manage a more functional but strained family life with two young children. Holiday gatherings underscore the group's dynamics, with Ben and Missy's relationship hitting rock bottom during a disastrous Christmas ski trip marked by infidelity and explosive arguments. Meanwhile, Julie goes on dates with various men, including a kind doctor who bonds well with the baby but fails to spark romance, while Jason begins a casual affair with the glamorous but child-averse Broadway dancer Mary Jane (Megan Fox). As the child turns one, tensions peak at his first birthday party, where the friends' frustrations boil over into a heated confrontation about , parenthood, and Julie and Jason's unconventional arrangement, exposing underlying jealousies and the emotional toll on everyone involved. Jason's fling with Mary Jane ends abruptly when she reveals her disdain for children during a weekend getaway, leaving him reflective. Julie's attempts at falter, and custody logistics become contentious as the toddler's needs for stability clash with their independent lifestyles. Ben and Missy amid ongoing bitterness, while Alex and Leslie navigate their challenges more resiliently. The narrative culminates at a wedding reception, where a drunken, heartfelt outburst from forces Julie to confront their suppressed feelings. Realizing their deep love and that their co-parenting has already forged an unbreakable bond, they commit to a romantic relationship and traditional family life. The film closes mirroring the opening, with the now-reconciled group gathered happily, emphasizing the joys of their evolved connections.

Cast

The principal cast of Friends with Kids includes the following actors in their respective roles:
ActorCharacterDescription
Julie KellerA single thirty-something best friend to Jason, living in the same apartment building, who dates around without romantic feelings for him.
Jason FrymanA single thirty-something best friend to Julie, living in the same apartment building, who dates around without romantic feelings for her.
LeslieThe wife of Alex, part of a married couple in the friend group who live in and share a comfortable, stable relationship.
AlexThe husband of Leslie, part of a married couple in the friend group who live in and share a comfortable, stable relationship.
MissyThe wife of Ben, part of a married couple in the friend group whose once deeply lustful relationship has cooled, leading to frequent sniping.
BenThe husband of Missy, part of a married couple in the friend group whose once deeply lustful relationship has cooled, leading to frequent sniping.
Mary JaneJason's girlfriend.
KurtJulie's boyfriend, described as improbably nice.
Ben and Missy are the first couple in the group to have children, and their experience with parenthood impacts the group dynamics by illustrating the strains it can place on relationships. Supporting cast members include Joe Kelly as Joe and Kelly Stables as Megan.

Production

Development

Jennifer Westfeldt wrote the screenplay for Friends with Kids based on her observations of friends navigating parenthood and romantic relationships in their thirties, drawing from the transformative effects she witnessed in their personal lives and social dynamics. The script evolved from her earlier works, such as Kissing Jessica Stein (2001) and Ira & Abby (2006), which similarly explored unconventional relationship structures and challenged traditional romantic narratives. Westfeldt made her directorial debut with the film, stepping in to helm the project after initial director became unavailable due to scheduling conflicts with . She also served as a alongside her longtime partner and others, including executive producer , who provided mentorship and helped lend credibility to the production. The film was an independent production with a budget of less than $10 million, primarily financed by in their first film investment, supported by the involvement of Westfeldt's collaborators and investors like Hamm. This modest funding reflected the project's reliance on personal networks rather than major studio backing, allowing for a tight-knit creative process. Casting emphasized longstanding friendships and professional connections to foster an authentic ensemble dynamic. Westfeldt starred opposite , a friend whose real-life experiences with parenthood informed , while Hamm, her partner, co-starred and recruited Saturday Night Live alumni and through their shared industry ties. Supporting roles, such as as , were filled via auditions and agency recommendations, with Fox joining the cast in October 2010 to round out the group alongside and .

Filming

for Friends with Kids took place over four weeks in , commencing in early December 2010 and wrapping in February 2011. The production was primarily on location to authentically depict the urban family dynamics central to the story, capturing the hustle of city life amid the challenges of parenthood. Filming began amid a major that struck the city, complicating shoots and contributing to the rushed pace necessitated by the independent film's constraints. Key locations included residential spots in Brooklyn's Clinton Hill neighborhood, where a townhouse served as the exterior for scenes involving character moves and daily life, and apartments at 210 Riverside Drive, standing in for the protagonists' homes to highlight New York real estate's role in personal relationships. Outdoor sequences were shot in , evoking seasonal holiday atmospheres, while interior holiday gatherings and intimate moments utilized practical settings like waterfront log cabins in area to simulate upstate escapes. The finale's wedding was filmed at a venue evoking the Catskills region, emphasizing the film's exploration of commitment in natural surroundings. William Rexer captured these environments with a focus on to underscore the characters' . The production faced logistical hurdles due to a tight budget under $10 million, which led to expedited shoots and creative compromises, such as forgoing preferred locations in favor of accessible ones. Director incorporated improvisational elements in comedic scenes to leverage the cast's chemistry, though it was not the dominant approach, allowing for spontaneous dialogue that drew from real-life relational tensions. On set, the ensemble—including close friends like , , and —fostered a collaborative vibe, with stars and Westfeldt (partners at the time) infusing their performances with personal insights into long-term relationships and the pressures of balancing careers and intimacy, blurring lines between their on- and off-screen lives.

Release and reception

Premiere and distribution

Friends with Kids had its world premiere on September 9, 2011, at the (TIFF), where it screened as part of the Galas program. Shortly thereafter, on September 19, 2011, Lionsgate acquired the U.S. distribution rights following the festival buzz generated by the film's and its exploration of modern relationships. The film received a in the United States on March 9, 2012, in approximately 374 theaters, before expanding nationwide on March 16, 2012. Internationally, it rolled out in select markets, including the on June 29, 2012, via Lionsgate UK, with no major global campaign or wide release strategy. In the U.S., , in partnership with Lionsgate, managed the theatrical distribution, focusing on art-house and select multiplex venues to target audiences interested in independent romantic comedies. Marketing efforts highlighted the film's star-studded cast—including , , , , and —and its rom-com elements centered on friendship, love, and the challenges of parenthood. Promotional activities included cast appearances at the TIFF premiere, where director and co-star , along with Hamm and others, engaged with audiences and media. A screening on March 5, 2012, at the Theater served as a key pre-release event, drawing cast members like and Hamm for red-carpet promotions. Trailers released in early 2012 emphasized the group's dynamics and humorous take on , positioning the film as a fresh ensemble comedy following its wrap in early 2011.

Box office

Friends with Kids earned $7,251,073 in and $5,790,181 internationally, for a worldwide total of $13,041,254. The film opened on March 9, 2012, grossing $2,019,083 over its first weekend across 369 theaters, with a per-theater of $5,472. It later expanded to a maximum of 640 theaters but experienced a typical decline, ultimately achieving legs of 3.59 times its opening weekend. Despite featuring a high-profile including members from the blockbuster —which grossed $288,892,809 worldwide—Friends with Kids delivered a modest performance characteristic of independent romantic comedies. With an estimated of $10 million, the film recouped its costs primarily through its low overhead and ancillary markets, though its theatrical run was hampered by a limited release strategy and competition from major studio releases like John Carter and 21 Jump Street. Its niche appeal to urban, adult audiences further constrained broader commercial success.

Critical reception

Friends with Kids received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. On , the film holds a 66% approval rating based on 150 reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10. The site's consensus states that the film is "sharp, shrewd, and funny," with excellent performances that smooth over more conventional elements. On , it scores 55 out of 100 based on 36 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. Positive reception highlighted the ensemble cast's chemistry, particularly the raw performances by and , as well as Jennifer Westfeldt's direction in delivering an honest portrayal of parenthood and modern relationships. Variety praised it as a "sharp ensemble comedy" that effectively balances humor and heart through its group dynamics. Similarly, commended the warmth in depicting single life, marriage, and parenthood, noting that the ultimately charms despite a slow start. Critics who were less favorable pointed to the film's predictable plot, uneven tone, and a sense of it being a vanity project, with some observing an over-reliance on that occasionally undermined the narrative. For instance, described it as a "decent romantic dramedy" but suggested a lingering "vanity project" feel akin to a "dirty nappy odour." Overall, the critical consensus viewed the film's exploration of co-parenting and contemporary relationships as relatable yet not particularly groundbreaking, with its strengths in character interactions outweighing structural familiarity for many reviewers.

Distribution and legacy

Home media

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray in on July 17, 2012, by Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The Blu-ray edition featured a BD-50 disc with in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Dolby TrueHD 5.1 audio, and English SDH subtitles, while the DVD offered standard definition in widescreen format with 5.1 audio. Special features on both formats included an track with writer/director/actor , director of photography Jonathan Freeman, and actors and ; a making-of ; deleted scenes; bloopers; and a gag reel. Following its modest theatrical gross of $7.3 million domestically, the release generated approximately $4.6 million in North American sales, contributing to the film's overall profitability without any noted special editions or re-releases. began in the early via platforms such as and for purchase or rental. Over the years, it appeared in rotations on subscription services including and . As of 2025, the film is available for streaming on ad-supported platforms like , , and , as well as subscription options such as . Internationally, similar DVD and Blu-ray releases followed in and , distributed by Lionsgate affiliates, with the Australian edition launching on November 7, 2012, including comparable extras and region 4 compatibility.

Accolades

Friends with Kids received limited formal recognition, with no major wins at awards such as the , , or Independent Spirit Awards. The film earned a at the 2012 for Best Independent TV Spot, for the trailer's "Dare" segment. Additionally, the film's casting was nominated for an Artios Award by the Casting Society of America in 2012, honoring casting director Bernard Telsey for Outstanding Achievement in Casting for a Contemporary . The ensemble cast, including Jon Hamm's supporting performance as the brash Ben, received praise in various critics' year-end polls, with Hamm's role highlighted for its comedic edge in indie film discussions. The film appeared on select 2012 top lists, such as New York magazine critic David Edelstein's #10 selection and the HTML Giant compilation of the 240 best movies of the year.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1720616/
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1720616/fullcredits
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  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1720616/releaseinfo/
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  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1720616/plotsummary/
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/sep/20/friends-with-kids-review
  8. https://www.pluggedin.com/movie-reviews/friends-with-kids/
  9. https://www.movieguide.org/reviews/movies/friends-with-kids.html
  10. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/friends-with-kids-2012
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1720616/fullcredits/
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/magazine/jennifer-westfeldt-friends-with-kids.html
  13. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/05/movies/05friends.html
  14. http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/54104
  15. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/exclusive-megan-fox-joins-jon-30925/
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  17. https://laist.com/news/entertainment/from-kissing-jessica-stein-to-kissing
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