The bond between a human and their furry companion is profound and immeasurable. But what happens when the human leaves this Earth before their loyal friend? How does one explain death to an animal? Do they grieve as we do, or do they simply carry on as though nothing has changed? And is it possible for humans and their animal companions to share grief and find a way to navigate it together? These deeply resonant questions are at the heart of The Friend, directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel.
The film centers on Iris (Naomi Watts), an accomplished novelist and creative writing teacher whose solitary and comfortably ordered life is upended when her closest friend and mentor, Walter (Bill Murray), takes his own life. In an unexpected twist, Walter bequeaths his beloved Great Dane, Apollo, to Iris. While such a premise might initially suggest a zany screwball comedy—an unprepared person inheriting a poorly behaved dog and chaos ensuing—the reality of The Friend is far more poignant. It is a heartfelt exploration of grief, companionship, and the complex emotional bond between humans and animals. Despite some uneven moments, the film delivers a compelling, nuanced portrayal of shared mourning and healing.
Grief is an inherently difficult subject to tackle, especially when it arrives suddenly and without warning, as suicide often does. Walter’s death leaves Iris with an overwhelming sense of loss and a host of unanswered questions. Through her introspective voiceovers, the audience is invited into Iris’s conflicted mind as she grapples with questions about her friend’s life and choices. Why did he take his own life? Did he consider the pain he would leave behind? What secrets was he hiding in those 30,000 unread emails? What about his inappropriate relationships with his female students? And why, of all people, did he leave his massive dog to someone who has no experience taking care of such an animal? These questions haunt Iris as she tries to reframe her memories of Walter while processing her own grief.
Apollo, the Great Dane, is no easy companion at first. Large, imposing, and deeply distressed, he initially appears to be the last thing Iris needs in her fragile state. He is destructive when left alone, unresponsive to commands, and spends hours howling mournfully. Yet, beneath his unruly behavior lies a profound sorrow. Apollo is grieving too. His droopy eyes and somber gaze are mirrors of his emotional pain, making it clear that he is as heartbroken as any human might be. Bing, the Great Dane who plays Apollo, delivers a canine performance so moving it rivals Messi’s unforgettable role in Anatomy of a Fall.
As the story unfolds, Iris and Apollo gradually form an unlikely but deeply moving bond. Their shared experience of grief becomes a bridge that connects them, illustrating the transformative power of companionship in the face of loss. For anyone who has ever found solace in a pet during difficult times, their relationship is achingly familiar. Together, they navigate the murky waters of mourning, finding moments of connection and understanding that bring both healing and hope.
While The Friend succeeds in its emotional depth and character study, it is not without its flaws. The film occasionally feels overly long, with certain subplots—particularly those delving into the complexities of Iris’s relationship with Walter—becoming a bit convoluted. However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the film’s poignant exploration of its central themes and the remarkable performances from both its human and animal cast.
Ultimately, The Friend is a thoughtful meditation on grief, healing, and the enduring bond between humans and their animal companions. It is a film that dares to ask difficult questions about love, loss, and the shared pain that unites us across species. Though imperfect, it is a deeply affecting story that lingers long after the credits roll.
My Rating: B-
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