By Mark Domin
Iris (Naomi Watts) and Apollo strolling the streets of New York.
MOVIE REVIEW
“The Friend”
2024 – Rated R
1 hr 42 min
4/5 Stars
I generally avoid books and movies about academia. Mainly because it seems like half the college professors on the planet feel a need to write about their rather mundane exploits in the workplace. As a result, about 90 percent of their tales are a retelling of the same old topics — young literary stars, infidelity, messy relationships, book tours and of course, alcohol and drug abuse. So I was reluctant to put this one in my queue. The movie poster also indicated that it was a story focused on a dog. While I don’t dislike dogs, I’m a self-avowed cat person. On the other hand, it happens to star the legendary Bill Murray (“Lost in Translation,” “Rushmore,” “Moonrise Kingdom” and just a ton of other fantastic movies) and Naomi Watts (“Mulholland Drive” “Penguin Bloom”), so it had to be worth a watch.
The film is from the talented writing/directing team of Scott McGehee and David Siegel, known for titles like “The Deep End” and “What Maisie Knew.” It’s a heart-warming adaptation of the best-selling novel by Sigrid Nunez. Don’t expect one of your typical light-hearted tales full of amusing capers. It’s a quiet, nuanced study of friendship, loss and healing without being sappy. Just an honest telling of a poignant story. One that slowly pulls you in before you know it, and simply won’t let go.
Naomi Watts plays Iris, a teacher and writer who’s suffering writer’s block. She’s at an impasse with her latest novel, aptly titled “Eastern Block.” She’s also reeling from the loss of her close friend and fellow writer/teacher Walter, played to perfection by Bill Murray. He’s a charismatic, lively character who was a significant mentor to Iris. We learn over the course of the movie that he took his life, which naturally has a devastating impact on Iris. Their special relationship is revealed through a series of flashbacks. There are also a couple scenes where Iris has some deeply moving conversations with his spirit, presented in a realistic manner.
Just when you think things can’t get much worse for Iris, a wrench is thrown into the works. Walter decided to give his beloved dog “Apollo” to her after his passing. Now this isn’t just your run of the mill canine, mind you. It’s a 150-pound Great Dane that he found one day while out jogging. I’ve read that the production team spent six months searching for the perfect dog. They eventually found “Bing” in Iowa and what a find! He was not only a formidable presence in the film, but his sad facial expressions were priceless. If a dog were eligible for an Oscar, this fellow would have gotten a trophy for sure.
Talk about an upheaval. Iris lives in a tiny, rent-controlled New York City apartment. She freely admits that she’s a cat person and has no intention of keeping the dog for long. When Apollo first enters his temporary home, he quickly jumps on the bed and growls at Iris when she attempts to sleep there. This is now his turf. She resigns herself to nights sleeping on the floor. It’s apparent that he’s also grieving for the loss of Walter. It’s something the two will have to work through together.
Apollo doesn’t make things easy for Iris. He refuses to eat or drink, and lays around in a deep funk. Then one day, she returns to her apartment after her teaching gig to discover her new pal decided to make a statement by trashing the place. A further complication is when the building’s handyman discovers the dog. He’s been told by management that there’s a strict no pets policy, and tells Iris she has to get rid of the dog ASAP. So she needs to find someone to adopt the dog. Searching a number of adoptions/rescue agencies proves futile. So now what?
As the film progresses, Iris and Apollo slowly begin the process of healing. There’s a scene where when she reads some writing of Walter’s out loud, Apollo snaps to attention and hangs onto her every word. He apparently recognized the work of his late master.
Cinematographer Giles Nuttgens does a brilliant job of capturing what a vibrant and bustling city New York is. It’s almost comical seeing this huge dog walking the crowded streets led by a petite blonde like Ms. Watts. There’s one bustling street scene that’s a tip of the hat to the iconic film “Midnight Cowboy” with the song “Everybody’s Talking” sung by none other than Detroit’s own Iggy Pop.
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this film but I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I think the acting was exceptional. It’s probably the best performance I’ve seen from Ms. Watts. And even though Bill Murray doesn’t have a great deal of screen time, his presence is definitely felt. Also, I can’t say enough about Bing’s performance — and that’s coming from a diehard cat lover.
If you’re looking for a couple more similar films about animal/owner relationships, I can recommend two that I’ve reviewed in this column. You might enjoy “The Penguin Lessons” and “My Penguin Friend.” Both are guaranteed to put a smile on your face. And like with this movie, you’ll need to have some tissues handy when watching them. They’re quite moving.
Currently streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card) and to rent on Prime.
Note to parents: I really don’t know why this film was rated “R”. Perhaps because Bill Murray’s character took his life? I’d be inclined to rate it “PG-13”.
My rating system:
1 Star A real stinker. A movie that is so bad, you’re embarrassed to admit you’ve seen it, but you have to rate it nonetheless.
2 Stars So-so. Not a total waste of time, but you would have been better off reading a good book.
H3 Stars Pretty good. In fact, if there weren’t any other movies in your queue, you might watch it again.
4 Stars One you’d recommend to friends.
5 Stars So good you’d actually buy it!
If you have any movie suggestions, feel free to email me at: dominmark@yahoo.com.
Also, if you’re looking for more recommendations, be sure to check out my blog: moviejunkie
mark.blogspot.com.