The Friend

The generic title could refer to either of two larger-than-life characters in The Friend, which essentially tells a man’s life story through those he left behind.

Then again, maybe the woman forced to navigate the relationship between the deceased and his dog while in mourning is the friendliest of all. With an underlying tenderness beneath the melancholy surface, this bittersweet drama is an incisive look at grief, support systems, and the obligation of honoring someone’s final wishes.

The story is told through the contemplative narration of Iris (Naomi Watts), a New York writer who is devastated upon learning of the death of her beloved mentor, Walter (Bill Murray), a gregarious professor who likely committed suicide.

Walter was known for dispensing pearls of wisdom that live on and serve as creative inspiration to his colleagues and acquaintances. He also had eccentricities and a turbulent personal life, which extends to his bequeathing Iris the care of his unruly Great Dane named Apollo.

“You were his best friend,” explains Walter’s widow (Noma Dumezweni). But Iris doesn’t even like dogs. And they’re not allowed in the building where she inherited a rent-controlled apartment years ago.

Still, Iris and Apollo become coping partners as they gradually develop an attachment and a codependency. Was the pooch a message from the grave, and should she keep him despite facing eviction, not to mention the massive inconvenience?

Among those weighing in are a supportive neighbor (Ann Dowd), the property superintendent (Felix Solis), and Walter’s sardonic ex-wives (Carla Gugino and Constance Wu).

The character-driven screenplay by directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel (Bee Season), adapted from a Sigrid Nunez novel, is thematically familiar in examining the sometimes circuitous route to closure.

Watts anchors the film with a committed performance, even if she’s consistently upstaged by a co-star with four legs instead of two, and who remains incapable of uttering a line of dialogue. Along the way, it’s an affectionate tribute to canine loyalty and intelligence, even if some of Apollo’s antics and quirks feel forced.

The excessively elongated final act isn’t as profound or cathartic as intended. Yet for a film designed to elicit tears, especially for dog lovers, it remains grounded enough to avoid cheap sentimentality. Balancing humor and pathos, The Friend has bark and bite.

Rated R, 119 minutes.