The film plays it straight, leaves resolution to be needed but yet is satisfying on every level. Again, in a film where every character and the entire aesthetic is inspired by realism, the movie ends on a note that elevates it to that position.

| Original Score: A- | Aug 16, 2024

Stripped of traditional glamor, Wilde is paradoxically incandescent. In the casual vestments of the Midwestern normie, she exudes that non-actor naturalism essential to this American subgenre.

| Aug 18, 2022

While I hope the traditional romantic comedy will continue to return in evermore-grand quality, this is a welcome diversion, and a lovely film all its own.

| Feb 24, 2021

Like a well crafted craft beer that celebrates the personal touch of a micro-brewer, Drinking Buddies is one tasty treat.

| Nov 27, 2019

You are torn between pining for the attractive non-couple to get together or you are rooting against the mess that could happen. Either way, you're hooked.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 7, 2019

Drinking Buddies is that thing that they say doesn't get made much anymore-a well-executed, charming, effective, and plausible romantic comedy.

| Aug 28, 2019

Its strengths are in what it's not explicitly saying but quietly showing, something most films are unable to do.

| Aug 22, 2019

A mature, earthy offering with a well-rounded finish that will leave a sweet aftertaste. And the film's pretty good too.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 7, 2019

There's plenty of mumble, but it's missing its core.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 5, 2019

There's little doubt that Drinking Buddies fares best in its relaxed and easygoing opening stretch...

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Mar 2, 2019

The script points toward the consequences of leashing onto someone who's already leashed, but it isn't able to find its way to them or a visual substitute. The dark matter of life is abandoned for gimmicky silence.

| Jan 9, 2018

Surprisingly wise.

| Oct 26, 2017

Not much happens but it has plenty to say.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 6, 2017

Drinking Buddies could suffer a little from its marketing, which may suggest to some audiences that it is just a regular rom com. But luckily, it is nothing like that. It is something much, much better.

| Aug 11, 2017

I'm no beer aficionado, but I found Drinking Buddies to be like a cold, clear drink of artisanal beer -- savory with rich, emphasized notes while also sparkling with subtlety.

| Mar 8, 2017

Every aspect of this film fits together nicely, even when the drama going on in the film is a little messy.

| Original Score: 10/10 | Jul 20, 2015

This is a giant nothing. I can't think of a recent picture where I've seen less effort to enlighten or entertain.

| May 12, 2015

I was a bit skeptical when I first learned about Drinking Buddies, because I did not expect Wilde and her cohorts to be up for the task; thankfully, I was proven wrong, and the actors go places that I would never expect studio-seasoned actors to go.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 19, 2014

A beautifully observed dramedy about modern friendship and romance; funny, poignant, unforgettable.

| Mar 10, 2014

It finds its groove with sincere, nuanced performances and a realistic attitude to romance as refreshing as a fistful of Citra hops.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 6, 2014