Writer and teacher Iris finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The regal yet intractabl...
The core of the charm in “The Friend” lies in its heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and the way we leave fragments of ourselves behind. Adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s National Book Award-winning novel, the film aims to delve into these themes with a gentle touch (and the comforting presence of a Great Dane named Bing). Despite a noble sentiment and a solid cast, co-writers and directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel struggle with execution. Overall, this is a very disappointing movie.
Iris (Naomi Watts) is grappling with the aftermath of the sudden death of her longtime friend Walter (Bill Murray), a charismatic author with a knack for leaving chaos in his wake. Little has changed with his death, as the man has left Iris to sort out his tangled relationships, unfinished literary work, and the care of his beloved dog, Apollo. The film sets up a promising narrative around the impact of Walter’s departure and Iris’s journey through grief and responsibility, but it falters in its delivery.
One of the primary issues here is the film’s disjointed structure as it veers unpredictably from one scene to the next, shifting tones in a way that undermines its emotional impact. While there are moments of genuine poignancy, particularly those involving the bond between Iris and Apollo, the overall narrative feels paper-thin. The predictability of the plot further detracts from the story.
The film relies too heavily on frequent attempts at cuteness overload from Apollo, and it feels like a series of desperate distractions to charm the audience. While it’s undeniable that Bing delivers a captivating performance as the lovable canine, the focus on his antics sometimes overshadows the deeper emotional threads the film strives to explore.
The human actors are effective, too. The always-reliable Watts delivers another strong performance here, weaving through the complexities of her character with a nuanced approach. Her portrayal captures the struggle of balancing personal grief with the responsibilities thrust upon her, offering a glimpse of the depth she brings to the role. Murray’s performance, though limited in screen time, is also a highlight.
Despite a meaningful story about the enduring power of companionship and the pain of loss, “The Friend” just can’t get a firm grasp on its desired sentiment. The slow pacing, disjointed storytelling, and heavy reliance on its canine star detract from what could have been a moving and insightful drama.
