The Friend

Iris does not want a dog, and nor is she allowed one in her desirable New York City apartment. If she did want a dog, she would not want a 150lb Great Dane the size of a pony; let alone a Great Dane in mourning for his human, the esteemed but complicated writer, Walter (Bill Murray). But in this Iris and Apollo share common ground. For Iris loved Walter, and the feeling was likely mutual, given that Walter has bequeathed her his beloved dog. But what is she to do with this great beast?

The lastest film from Scott McGehee and David Siegel (What Maisie Knew; Montana Story; The Deep End) has a very simple narrative and simple pleasures too, in its mix of canine comedy and sorrow, but it touches on deep universal feelings about grief and responsibility, connection and rent control. Despite her scene-stealing costar’s best efforts, Naomi Watts nails every scene.

Find[ing] the sweet spot between scardonic and open-hearted… McGehee and Siegel juice this smart, affecting feature with sly nods to big-screen New York romances. This is a love story, after all, and one with a keen grasp of the mournful, curious glances between its two leads — of how much goes untranslated between them, and how much is conveyed.

Sheri Linden, New York Times

It’s the sort of witty, wise, and warm character study we seem to be running out of these days. And that’s just when it comes to its standout dog star, the Great Dane (emphasis on great) Bing.

Kate Erbland, IndieWire