The friend (The Friend) is a 2024 American drama film directed by Scott McGee and David Siegel from a screenplay by Scott McGee, David Siegel, and Sigrid Nunes. The film is set to be released in the United States on March 28, 2025.
The story follows Iris (Naomi Watts), a writer and creative writing teacher in New York City whose quiet and solitary life is turned upside down when her closest friend and mentor, Walter (Bill Murray), dies suddenly and leaves her with his beloved 300-pound Great Dane named Apollo. The large and unruly dog causes a host of practical problems, from destroying furniture to threatening to evict her from her apartment. Apollo's presence also serves as a constant reminder of Walter's tragic loss as Iris struggles to cope with her grief and find a way to move on.
The film made its world premiere on August 30, 2024, at the Telluride Film Festival and was screened in the Gala section of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. It is expected to be released in theaters in the United States on March 21, 2025.
„"The Friend" offers a poignant look at themes of love, friendship, grief, and healing, exploring the bond between a human and a dog in the context of the loss of a loved one.
