THE FRIEND is a 2024 drama film written and directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel. The film is based on the 2018 novel by Sigrid Nunez. It had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, and screened in the Gala section at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
Writer and teacher Iris (Naomi Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Bill Murray) dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend’s problematic choices in both life and death. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with the animal, she begins to come to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life.
The cast includes Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Constance Wu, Ann Dowd, Noma Dumezweni, Felix Solis, Owen Teague, and Carla Gugino.
THE FRIENDSHIP is set to debut in select theaters March 28th, before a wide release April 4th, courtesy of Bleecker Street. Watch the official trailer below.