L'amico fedele

I just left the theaters about 25 mins ago.

This isn't typically the kind of movie I would watch in the theaters. But I have Regal Unlimited, and I was bored at work; I therefore went to see this one. I like dog movies, and Naomi Watts usually stars in quality films. I also think that Bill Murray can be funny

I didn't know much about the plot before getting in the theater. As a result, I got struck by how somber the movie is; the film explores some very dark themes. I guess I was expecting some light-hearted comedy because of Bill Murray and the dog. But it's not that kind of film

Regardless, I can appreciate a mature drama, and there's some good acting at times from Naomi Watts. The story, basically, is that her best friend, Bill Murray, passes away (which happens very early), and she ends up getting his Great Dane dog.

The movie, I think, is too dry or boring. There's not much drama or excitement. Infact, the main conflict in the plot is that Naomi Watts isn't allowed to keep dogs in her building, so she has to figure out what to do. I found this plot thread to be a little weak because the film shows that Bill Murray left behind a wife and an apartment where the dog can stay. The wife's explanation for not wanting to keep the dog isn't credible or believable

In addition, I didn't find any character to be likable or memorable. Naomi Watts, who is a great actress, plays a character who is so mundane, nondescript, and vanilla. The movie's theme centers on friendships, explored mostly through Bill Murray and Naomi Watts' relationship; yet I don't think the movie does a great job of explaining the friendship between them; we don't quite get a sense of how close they were.

I think the movie has too many characters. Some characters are unexplored (e.g. Bill Murray's daughters and wives), some of them feel random (e.g. Naomi Watts' therapist), and some of them I'm not sure who they are (e.g. Constance Wu and Josh Pais' characters)

There are some charming moments involving the dog, of course. But the dog's charm falls by the wayside early in the film. The emphasis is less on the dog's personality and more on how the dog represents Bill Murray and his relationship with Naomi Watts. The dog mostly sits on the bed or walks with Naomi Watts throughout New York City

4.5/10.

• Watched at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sep. 11th, 2024 (First Watch)
• Format: Regular theatre

The story doesn't know what direction it's taking, which is why at most times it just keeps going on and on which feels like it's never ending and here comes the part where the watcher will feel the long and heaviness of its runtime which is not even long but it seems like that because of the slow and sometimes boring rhythm that the story has.

The dog is for sure the best part of the film. The way it was trained to showcase these emotions and use its body language to tell something is very impressive. I really didn't like the way the story approached Bill Murray's character as it felt very useless. The film to me is more like a story between a dog and a grieving person and not about a suicidal writer who died and left out a dog. It felt very chaotic in this aspect and it could've easily gotten more in depth in terms of this topic or showed a flashback that will support Bill Murray's character. Other than that, nothing more special but overall, a cute and warm film to watch!

I went in expecting a sentimental story about a woman and a big dog, and while that element is definitely there, The Friend surprised me with how layered and restrained it was. Naomi Watts gives a really thoughtful performance-quiet, a little distant, but grounded in real emotion. And Bill Murray, though only present in flashbacks and memory, adds a lot of warmth and depth to the story.

What really worked for me was the tone: melancholic without being heavy-handed, and gently funny in places without trying too hard. The relationship between Iris and the dog felt believable-not overly cute, just human and strange and a little awkward, like grief often is.

The trailer made it seem like a straightforward healing-through-pet story, but the film is more reflective than that, and it lingers in your mind afterward. Some scenes felt a little slow, but overall it earned its quiet pace.

Definitely worth seeing if you're into character-driven stories that give you space to feel without telling you how.

Directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel adapt Sigrid Nunez's novel, starring a charming Naomi Watts and a Great Dane who stands out as one of the best canine actors of recent times.

A heartfelt and heartwarming drama about grief and the bond between pet and owner. A novel adapted with sincerity and commitment, it's a perfect drama that's well directed and well acted, drawing us into a study of the characters in all their layers, including a heartfelt performance by a dog who steals the show.

It's a perfect exploration of the profound drama of the loss of a loved one, equated in two parallel worlds: that of an animal and that of a person. This dynamic makes the film a constant journey through the intensity of grief, but also through the shortcomings of a protagonist who invites us on a journey through her healing as we immerse ourselves in a magnificent and adorable love story between a dog and a human. This film leaves its own mark, avoiding the typical dog movie we're accustomed to.

It's a well-known story that man's best friend has won that ground. It's a film that dares to explore a dog's deepest sorrow for his owner and his own grief-healing process. Magically portrayed by our friend Apollo, whose wide gaze and size fill us with grief and joy at the same time, we can even sense his own personal interpretation of the canine drama he brings to the screen-an absolute visual impact.

It's a film that offers a moving, funny, humane, and unforgettable story about friendship, loneliness, grief, and love in all its layers. A pleasant and sweet journey in a correct and sincere adaptation of the novel in question. It becomes an irresistible experience that anyone who has ever loved a pet must see.

The supporting cast is excellent, and of course, Murray nails it, making his few scenes shine. New York City has never looked better, thanks to cinematographer Giles Nuttgens.

Bleecker Street hits the nail on the head with the layout of this little indie gem.

Reuniting St Vincent (2014) stars, Bill Murray and Naomi Watts, The Friend is a heavy, emotional tale that deals with death, suicide, and perseverance.

Positives +Naomi Watts knocks it out of the park!

+Apollo the Great Dane is a cute pup actor.

+Scene voiceovers switch between characters +Thorough plot that examines all aspects of the story +A bit of creative fantasy

Negatives -Multiple "False endings" scenes. You think the movie is over, but then another scene appears. Again. And again.

-Felt too long with the above endings.

-A lot of characters thrown in at once, but not explained until later.

This movie had me crying in my seat. The connections of suicide, survivors guilt, regrets, and family were heavy. But your connections to these topics could increase or decrease your enjoyment. Buckle in for a long, but fulfilling journey.

-GremlinLord615 -Full Reviews on my YT.