The Friend

Based on the bestselling and award-winning novel by Sigrid Nunez, THE FRIEND is a poignant and tender charmer starring Academy Award nominees Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, alongside a 150-pound Great Dane named Bing, making his adorable big screen debut. Writer and teacher Iris (Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Murray) bequeaths her his beloved Great Dane, Apollo. The regal yet intractable dog immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with Apollo, she begins to come to terms with her past and her own creative inner life in this story of healing, love, and friendship. Featuring a critically acclaimed performance from the always exceptional Watts, the moving dramedy skilfully balances heart-wrenching explorations of grief with endearing mischief and canine-human affection.