We Are Your Friends

Young Cole Carter dreams of breaking into the Hollywood DJ scene, pouring his nights into clubs and chasing a single track that could define him. His luck shifts when he meets James Reed, a charismatic veteran who takes the 23-year-old under his wing. Suddenly Cole finds himself moving through late nights, big ambitions and a lifestyle that blurs boundaries. As romance blooms with Sophie, James's girlfriend, the line between mentor and friend starts to blur and the path toward success grows increasingly complicated. The pressure to perform stacks up as bookings roll in, friendships tighten then strain, and the city treats his music like currency. With mounting tension, Cole must decide what he will sacrifice for a shot at fame.

Directed by Max Joseph, the film comes from an original screenplay by Meaghan Oppenheimer and Richard Silverman. It captures the pulse of Los Angeles nightlife and the fast paced energy of the electronic dance music scene, with bold visuals throughout.

The movie earned roughly 11.1 million worldwide on a 6 million budget, signaling a modest but solid return for a music driven drama, in markets abroad and in the U.S. Critics noted a mixed reception across territories and demographics worldwide.

The film left a mark as a snapshot of mid 2010s club culture with its soundtrack, fashion cues, and nightlife energy. It sparked conversations about chasing fame, the lure of mentors, and how relationships shape creative choices within a high stakes scene for aspiring artists watching the industry play out.

Critical responses were mixed, with some praising Zac Efrons energy and the film's atmosphere while others noted a thinner narrative. Core themes include the costs of ambition, the pressure of mentorship, and balancing romantic feelings with a demanding career in a fame minded world. The soundtrack reinforces the era's mood.