The Significance of Cars in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’
The Apple TV series ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ uses cars as more than just background elements – they’re integral to understanding the characters and their lifestyle in the fictional Westmont Village, NY. The show, created by Jonathan Tropper, cleverly employs vehicles to reveal character traits, social status, and emotional states.
Luxury Items as Character Dividers
The series uses luxury goods like rare watches, exclusive handbags, and high-end cars to differentiate characters into two groups: those who value luxury and those who don’t. Cars play a pivotal role in this differentiation, often serving as extensions of the characters’ personalities.
Jon Hamm’s Character: Andrew Cooper
Andrew Cooper, played by Jon Hamm, drives a Maserati Gran Turismo, a powerful V6 that delivers 542 HP and is priced from $158,000. However, Coop isn’t afraid to switch cars based on practicality. He temporarily drives a dented and worn Honda CR-V, showing his ability to look beyond ego and status.
The Maserati as a Character
The Maserati Gran Turismo plays a significant role in the show, being involved in a pivotal scene where it’s damaged by a BMW 430i driven by Tori’s boyfriend Jake. This incident not only reveals character traits but also foreshadows future events.
Mel’s Complex Character and Her Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mel, played by Amanda Peet, drives a 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, which suits her character as a working therapist with a seemingly balanced life. However, her actions with the SUV reveal deeper complexities in her character.
Nick’s Lincoln Navigator and Image
Nick, played by Mark Tallman, drives a Lincoln Navigator wrapped with ‘Nick’s Strong Ass Gym’ branding, reflecting his character as a former NBA star turned gym owner. The car’s branding contrasts with Nick’s sensitive nature, creating an interesting dynamic.
Sam’s Range Rover Sport SV
Sam Leavitt, played by Olivia Munn, drives a Range Rover Sport SV, which reflects her independence and capability as a single woman navigating the wealthy suburb.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre and Wealth Display
Barney Choi drives an all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre, a $420,000+ car, showcasing his success. However, his father-in-law’s Rolls-Royce Phantom, with a chauffeur, dwarfs Barney’s display of wealth, highlighting the complexities of status and satisfaction.
Cars as Storytelling Devices
Various other cars in the show, such as a Volvo with a Grateful Dead sticker, Tori’s Audi A3, and Lu Varga’s Mazda 5, serve as subtle clues to character traits and plot developments. The Mazda 5, in particular, signals a change in Coop’s life when it appears in his driveway.
The cars in ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ are not just vehicles; they’re characters that add depth to the narrative, revealing the intricacies of the wealthy community portrayed in the series.
