Movies

Naomi Watts digs deep into the vulnerability of a loner with ‘The Friend’

BBG News

As a film enthusiast, I can attest that no digitally crafted character surpasses the soulful presence of the magnificent Great Dane named Bing, who graces the screen in “The Friend”. This pooch, with his elongated face and mournful eyes reminiscent of silent-era comedians, is not just a character but an integral part of the film. It’s fascinating to note that this remarkable canine co-star is also one of the most outstanding companions a gifted actress like Naomi Watts could have shared scenes with in her illustrious career.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself deeply moved by David Siegel and Scott McGehee’s adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s National Book Award-winning novel, “The Friend.” This film, set in a bustling yet intimate New York City, masterfully explores the complexities of grief through its unique characters. The actors seamlessly share the screen, their differences complementing each other beautifully, and elevating the movie to an emotionally raw and authentic level.

In contrast to typical pet-centric films that often veer towards sentimental cliches, “The Friend” offers a refreshingly honest portrayal of the bond between humans and animals. It captures the essence of two lonely beings finding solace in each other, creating a cinematic experience that resonates deeply with the human condition. The film is visually stunning, with its captivating shots of towering skyscrapers, busy streets, and cramped apartments serving as a fitting backdrop to this heartwarming tale. In essence, “The Friend” offers a rare glimpse into the profound connection between man and his canine companion, making it an unforgettable cinematic journey.

In a new interpretation, Watts, an actor with years of experience in portraying inner depths, takes on the role of Iris, a writer and professor who finds herself stuck following the suicide of her mentor and dearest friend Walter, played humorously yet poignantly by Bill Murray in initial scenes. These scenes provide us a moment to feel his absence as well.

Movies

In an engaging conversation, the actress famed for “Mulholland Drive” delves into themes of grief, shares insights about David Lynch, recounts her near-departure from acting, and previews her upcoming film, “The Friend,” where she forms a special connection with a Great Dane.

A clever yet socially isolated ladies’ man named Walter had a one-night stand with Iris, but they remained friends afterwards. Despite this, Walter left behind a multitude of mourners: fans, professional associates, an adult daughter (Sarah Pidgeon) from a past affair, several former partners like Carla Gugino and Constance Wu, and his third and final wife (Noma Dumezweni). It was Walter’s request that Iris take care of Apollo, his miniature horse companion, upon his passing.

Instead of saying “The left-field bequest – as if dealing with Walter’s legacy through an overdue book of his correspondence wasn’t already puzzling enough – is, to Iris, a puzzle on top of a dilemma,” you could rephrase it more naturally as: “Iris finds herself in a situation that’s like solving two mysteries at once. Besides managing Walter’s legacy through an unexpected book of his correspondence, she now has a roommate who is damaging the furniture and might get her evicted, if the stern warnings from the building superintendent (Felix Solis) are anything to go by.

However, in her anxious effort to find Apollo a new home while attending to his needs, Iris must confront the truth about this 100-pound beast of somberness: he represents Walter, indeed, but also a being as sorrowful, stuck, and lost as she is. Can one simply ignore such a presence?

Readers who appreciate Nunez’s witty and fluid narrative style may find themselves yearning for the incisive commentary on literary perspectives that the novel offers. It can be challenging to translate these complexities onto the big screen without resorting to clichéd one-liners. However, while the portrayal of the author world serves more as a backdrop – with strong performances from the supporting characters – the directors, Siegel and McGehee, understand that the core of their film lies in the unique bond between Iris and Apollo. They are an unusual pair, navigating their way towards reconnecting with life.

In the film, Watts’ ability to portray sorrow masterfully is evident, whether she’s performing solo or competing against others, even the massive CGI ape from “King Kong.” However, in this movie, Bing, who is given equal screen time and treated as a genuine co-star, offers Watts another opportunity to delve into deep emotions. She does so with finesse, humor, and a smart vulnerability that makes Iris’ character relatable. Through Iris, we understand why solitude and companionship, especially in difficult times, can seem unsatisfying yet the right kind of solitude can foster healing.

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2025-04-04 22:31

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