The Friend

What a wonderfully beautiful story about a writer who lost a dear friend and takes up the task of adopting his dog. What was going to be temporary turns out to be a deep unfound unexpected relationship with the dog that allows her to open up more emotionally about her friends, death and connect more with herself. This is certainly worthy of its title being at the Telluride film festival as it is a deep dive into the meaning of friendship and how a dog has played a big role in that in humans throughout history. The beginning was a bit rushed and odd, and it took a little while to get to the dog portion, and the film was a bit dragged out but properly cell. Certainly an enjoyable, relaxing tear jerker watch

A pleasant watch. The story is predictable, but it's delivered with sincerity. The film doesn't break new ground, but it's a comforting tale about loss and healing. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.

2-hour long un-necessary drama for pet people.
The cast is stellar, but don't watch it unless you have a thing for Great Danes.

A Dog Story for the Dog Skeptics
Be forewarned: I am not a dog person.

So when I saw Bill Murray on the poster, I thought, “Oh boy! How often do we get one of those these days?” and in I jumped—completely unprepared for a canine-centric tale.

My first reaction (well, second—right after “Wait... is this a dog movie?”) was that familiar thing that happens every time I watch a film set in New York: the people feel real. There’s something about NYC characters that makes them come off less like actors and more like, well, people. Same deal here.

For the sake of the review, let’s just shorthand it with: “good acting,” “well directed,” blah blah blah. It’s true, though—the entire cast pulls their weight. The performances feel lived-in, unshowy, and grounded.

The story? Classic reluctant-pet-owner setup. Naomi Watts, a non-dog-person after my own heart, suddenly finds herself responsible for a Great Dane named Apollo, who is equal parts disaster and teddy bear. I was on her side from the get-go. I knew that feeling.

Sidenote: I once had a friend who brought a Great Dane home to his island cabin, only to discover—too late—that Great Danes swim like a 200-pound bag of laundry. So when the film cuts to a scene in the middle of the Hudson River, on a boat, I couldn’t help but think: somewhere, a dog wrangler is losing sleep and questioning their career choices.

Despite my initial skepticism (and the criminal underuse of Bill Murray—come on, people), The Friend won me over. It’s understated. It’s heartfelt. It never tries too hard. And yeah, the dog is cute in that “please don’t slobber on me” sort of way.

In the end, the film works. The simplicity, the setting, the cast—even the dog—come together in a way that’s oddly moving.

Worth the watch. Even if you’re not a dog person. Maybe especially if you’re not.