Although Jennifer Aniston is best known as Rachel Green from "Friends," I’ve always preferred seeing her in movies. She brings a genuine, grounded presence to the big screen, whether she’s portraying a woman grappling with past and present pain in "Cake," a cynical kung fu-loving waitress in "Office Space" or an aggressive dentist in "Horrible Bosses."
With "The Morning Show" season 4 premiering soon, it’s a good reminder of Aniston’s enduring versatility, but sometimes her most memorable performances come in smaller, understated films. One such gem is "Friends With Money," a 2006 film by writer-director Nicole Holofcener. It tells the story of a not-so-wealthy woman in her mid-30s who maintains long-standing friendships with several more affluent women. "Friends With Money" quietly captures the humor, awkwardness and poignancy of everyday life.
What is 'Friends With Money' about?
The film opens with Olivia (Jennifer Aniston) quietly going about her life as a house cleaner — laundry, trash, scrubbing toilets, the full routine. Simultaneously, we glimpse her friends: Christine (Catherine Keener) and her husband David (Jason Isaacs) plan a home renovation, while Jane (Frances McDormand) and her husband Aaron (Simon McBurney) prepare for a night out.
When the scene shifts to a restaurant, where all three couples gather and Olivia sits alone, it becomes clear that the opening was about more than her job or the financial divide — it’s about her loneliness.
The drama in their lives might seem ordinary, even mundane at times. Franny (Joan Cusack) and her husband Matt (Greg Germann) live off a trust fund with minor financial squabbles. Jane’s marriage is failing, and she struggles with even the simplest tasks, like washing her hair. Christine and her husband clash with neighbors over a blocked view. And Olivia herself is trying to make a mismatched relationship work with Mike (Scott Caan), Franny’s personal trainer.
Why you should stream 'Friends With Money'
What I love about this slice-of-life film is its subtlety. "Friends With Money" doesn’t hit you over the head with drama or emotional peaks, yet I found myself invested in the characters’ everyday struggles and minor disputes, all underscored by genuine care and friendship.
Holofcener masterfully connects their lives without needing a traditional, cohesive plot. I especially loved the guerrilla-style filming at the farmers' market with Olivia and Jane; it adds a realism that makes the characters feel alive.
As always, Aniston is perfect as an ordinary woman finding her way in life. She doesn’t overplay the role with ditziness or flamboyance. Instead, she conveys a quiet, understated sorrow — the feeling of being slightly off-track and disconnected, even among close friends.
The only drawback is the lack of diversity among the cast and the friendship dynamics. Including people of color would have added realism and broadened the story’s perspective. But if you can look past that, "Friends With Money" remains a quietly charming, relatable gem worth revisiting.
Rent/buy "Friends With Money" on Amazon or Apple
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