The powerful bonds between a dog an his owner especially when one decides to tragically take his own life is beautifully portrayed in The Friend.
The Friend stars King Kong’s Naomi Watts as he encounters a whole new beast, Apollo the Great Dane. Watts does an exceptional job of captivating the grief that comes when a dear friends commits suicide. She especially uses that emotion as it transcends to that of Apollo who also clearly is in mourning.
Additionally Ghostbusters‘ Bill Murray plays Walter, the owner of Apollo and the one who ultimately took his life. The film doesn’t dwell on the why, but rather the “What’s next?” especially when it comes to “the dog”. Ultimately Murray as well does an exceptional job of captivating that death element while seemingly helping his friend come to term with his own death through his beloved companion.
Additionally, the film also has a bit of Ugly Dachshund at the end as Watts shows up with a dashound which she calls Apollo. For anyone who doesn’t know the reference, fill free to turn into Disney + for a treat.
All in all, at an hour 59 minute run time, The Friend covers a tough subject in such a way that everyone in the room will leave in tears. The acting even as much as the animal acting on stage will pull at you heart strings and make you really recognize just how close animals can relate to trauma.
The film came out in theaters April 4 and is currently playing in one near you.