Jacked In Reviews ‘All My Friends Hate Me’ (2021)

all my friends hate me
Photo: BFI Distribution

All My Friends Hate Me is set over the course of a weekend, following the story of Pete (Tom Stourton), who is reuniting with some old college mates for his birthday. Slightly cautious, Pete isn’t sure if he will still get on with the gang after all these years… And he may be right.

Pete then rock’s up – music blaring and beer in hand – to a giant mansion owned by his posh mate’s father for the rendezvous, only to be met with an empty house. As he sits waiting, the hours pass and you – the onlooker – begin tensing up in your seat watching this confused birthday boy “enjoy” some lonely beverages whilst pitifully wrapped up in blankets on the couch. And with that, the tone for most of this picture is immediately set.

It’s much more than just an awkward comedy, instead, it’s scarily accurate how cringeworthy the events Pete must endure are and they get steadily worse as the movie progresses. You soon begin to empathize with Pete’s paranoia, wondering if his friends are actually starting to turn against him or if it’s just part of some big birthday wind-up.

A flawless cast, none of which feel like they are playing a role but instead, truly embody each of their characters and the parallels between classes brilliantly. A refreshing instalment to (dark) British comedy and a good dose of psychological horror to keep you on your toes throughout. But be warned, this picture does a tremendous job of getting under your skin and you may find yourself questioning your sanity by the end credits.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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