In the heart of New York City, The Friend, directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, unfolds as a beautifully crafted drama that explores grief and companionship. Adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s National Book Award-winning novel, this film is a delicate blend of humor and heartache, anchored by a stellar performance from Naomi Watts and an unforgettable canine co-star. Far from a typical “dog movie,” The Friend offers a profound meditation on loss and the unexpected connections that guide us back to life.
Naomi Watts delivers an incredible performance as Iris, a solitary writer and professor grappling with the sudden suicide of her mentor and friend, Walter (Bill Murray). Her portrayal captures the complexity of a woman navigating personal and professional stagnation while confronting the weight of grief. The true heart of The Friend lies in the unlikely bond between Iris and Apollo, a massive Great Dane handed down to her by Walter. Apollo is not just a pet but a fully realized character whose grief mirrors Iris’s own.
Directors McGehee and Siegel strike a masterful balance between the film’s heavier themes and its lighter moments. The screenplay, penned by the duo, weaves humor into the fabric of sorrow, creating a tone that feels authentic to the messiness of human emotion. Scenes of Iris navigating Apollo’s impractical size in her cramped West Village apartment—where pets are forbidden—spark gentle laughs, while the film’s exploration of suicide and its aftermath never feels exploitative.
Bill Murray, though present primarily in flashbacks, leaves an indelible mark as Walter, a charismatic yet flawed literary figure. His brief screen time is used to maximum effect, with Murray’s signature charm tempered by a melancholic edge that hints at Walter’s inner struggles. What sets The Friend apart from other films about grief is its refusal to lean into melodrama. The story unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing viewers to sit with Iris and Apollo’s evolving relationship.
For all its emotional weight, The Friend is ultimately a story of hope. Iris’s journey with Apollo is not about erasing grief but about finding a way to carry it. The film’s final moments, without spoiling, offer a resolution that feels earned and uplifting, leaving viewers with a sense of quiet triumph. It’s a testament to the filmmakers’ skill that they achieve this without resorting to over-sentimental tropes, instead crafting a conclusion that feels true to the characters’ arcs.
The Friend is an absolute gem. For those seeking a movie that celebrates the messy beauty of human and animal connection, The Friend is a must-see, a tender reminder that love and healing can arrive in the most unexpected forms.
The Friend arrives at Luna Palace Cinemas July 31.
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