So, here it is. The movie that answers your question: Why don’t they make them like they used to?
Although truth be told, they have always continued to make them like they used to, it’s just that the films to which you’re probably referring more often than not get lost in the publicity and promotion circus. This is because the major motion picture studios have the money and the clout to keep their multi-million dollar cinematic comic book and action fantasies front and center.
This is where I come in. My job, of course, is to tell you about different kinds of motion pictures, including the ones many of you wish they made. Therefore, surprise yourself and go to a movie theater and see “The Friend.” In metro Buffalo-Niagara, it’s playing at two Dipson theaters, including the Capital in the Falls and the Amherst, as well as at the four area Regals.
Dogs have appeared in motion pictures since they were first produced. These friendly animals can be either the focus of the feature or a bit player, and sometimes they are a unique cameo attraction. Lassie and Rin Tin Tin were certainly superstars of the canine world.
“The Friend” is a dog movie with a unique tale to tell. Iris, wonderfully played by an absolutely perfect Naomi Watts, is a writer, editor, and teacher of creative writing at the college level. She lives a comfortable, well-ordered life in a small apartment in Manhattan’s West Village. Iris is solitary by choice, but she has friends she likes and sees at parties attended by interesting people in the arts. She considers reading books to be one of life’s great pleasures.
Early in the story, Iris’s life is upended after Walter, her closest friend and most important mentor, commits suicide and bequeaths her his beloved pet, a dog named Apollo. Iris balks at taking in the dog, but his widow Barbara — there are also two ex-wives — insists it’s what he wanted. Barbara may be finessing a few factors, but that only adds to the picture’s enticing moments of mystery. Walter was a successful author of some renown and had a good amount of wealth.
The arrival of the dog, a truly huge 150-pound Great Dane, creates a series of problems for Iris, including the destruction of her furniture, as well as notices of eviction because her apartment building has a strict no-pet policy. Apollo has a looming presence that is both comical and dramatic.
However, these issues, while serious, aren’t where the disruption to Iris’s life begins and ends. There are also emotional factors with which Iris must contend. Unexpectedly, she finds herself bonding with the dog. This soon helps her begin to come to terms with Walter’s suicide and the loss of their friendship.
Iris is going to edit a book of Walter’s letters, and Apollo is going to have to learn that he’s no longer the king of the realm. “The Friend” glides smoothly into being a compelling movie about the feelings of people and animals trying very hard to get through a truly difficult time together. One of the messages within is that dogs also grieve.
The comedy-drama develops into a believable companionship story from filmmaking partners Scott McGehee and David Siegel. The writing and directing duo have adapted a 2018 novel by author Sigrid Nunez. The feature is easy to look at. Production values are superb and New York City becomes an inviting character thanks to superb cinematography by Giles Nuttgens. Apollo on the sidewalks of New York is a visual wonderland that allows moviegoers to share the experience of seeing what looks like a pony controlling the outdoor agenda.
As the film progresses, it offers a pleasing cinematic bath of entertaining shenanigans thanks to Apollo and his unusual behavior. On the human side, moviegoers watch Iris experience what becomes a therapeutic journey with an unlikely and most unexpected partner. McGehee and Siegel keep the material sincere and charming and maintain a welcome appeal for dog lovers.
Bill Murray plays Walter most often in vocal moments devoted to the memory of the character. Murray isn’t on-screen a lot, but his jaunty presence is felt throughout. His relationship with Iris was invaluable as they shared their enjoyment of literature. He urged her to get control of her writer’s block in order to make the most of her potential. In addition to the ex-wives and widow, Walter, who was a man who could be manipulative and frustrating, also has a daughter named Val (Sarah Pidgeon). The wives are acted by Carla Gugino (Elaine), Constance Wu (Tuesday), and Noma Dmezweni (Barbara).
Because she was friends with Walter, Iris knew the dog, but never expected to become its reluctant owner. Walter enjoyed sharing the story that Apollo “magically appeared” to him while he was jogging. He always had a rich bounty of tales to tell, and he captured fully Iris’s imagination.
“The Friend” easily lopes along as it follows the adventures of Iris and Apollo. It is difficult living with a new roommate who claims the bed and exhibits periods of deep melancholy. Iris tries to connect with Apollo as best she can, ruined apartment or not. A lovely treasure is realizing that Apollo likes to listen when humans read aloud.
Grief is a major element of “The Friend.” Iris discusses the situation and her feelings with her therapist, Dr. Warren, who is expertly played by famed actor and director Tom McCarthy. He wrote and directed “The Station Agent,” and co-wrote and directed the Academy Award-winning “Spotlight.” Dr. Darren helps her understand the complex feelings she’s having while she must choose whether or not to keep Apollo, and how to cope with Walter’s suicide and her surprising emotional attachment to his memory.
Ultimately, “The Friend” is an engaging examination of mutual support and the act of making beneficial changes to one’s life. Watts leads a superior troupe of performers. Apollo is played by a dog actor named Bing, and he’s terrific. As for the laughable R-rating for sexual references (language) and dog nudity (I kid you not), it’s a complete embarrassment for the MPAA.
Older teens will celebrate “The Friend” as much as adults. Go see it.