The Friend (15) |Close-Up Film Review
Dir: Scott McGhee, David Siegel US 2024, 120 mins.
Cast: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Carla Gugino,Ann Dowd
Review by Carlie Newman
Not just any dog, but a very large Great Dane called Apollo. Iris (Naomi Watts) is not happy at being pushed into adopting Apollo, who is grieving and depressed over the death of his owner, Walter (Bill Murray). Iris is a struggling writer living in a very small apartment in Manhattan, New York. The building has a no pets policy and Iris can’t afford to move as it is rent- and she has no spare money. Walter, who committed suicide, was Iris’s mentor and best friend.
Iris and the sad Great Dane begin by neither being happy with the situation . Both miss Walter. Iris finds her life and living style completely disorganised by having to take care of Apollo. The huge dog takes over her bed and she tries, unsuccessfully, to sneak him in and out of the building when she receives an eviction notice.
Naomi Watts gives a realistic, unshowy performance, and she and the dog seem to have real chemistry between them. Acting all round is good with a nice little cameo from Ann Dowd as a sympathetic neighbour. Good background music, which includes old songs and opera.
Great to see a film with a dog who doesn’t talk and doesn’t rescue anyone from disaster. Although, in a way, he helps Iris to come to terms with the loss of her friend as she helps the great Dane to have a future without his beloved master.
