In the Hollywood tradition of movie canines that could really act: Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, Old Yeller and Beethoven – none Computer Generated Imagery – now we meet Apollo, a 68kg (150lb) Great Dane who stands out as one of the best animal actors of recent times.
Based on a book by Sigrid Nunez, Iris, a New York novelist and writing teacher (Naomi Watts) has her life turned into chaos by the sudden death of Walter, her closest friend and mentor (Bill Murray).
We attempt to understand Walter’s character through interactions of his near and dear friends.
Flashbacks to better times in life are where Bill Murray shows he is the ever-reliable character actor.
Thought-provoking and fascinating conversations happen as easily or unfortunately as a needle stuck in the groove of a vinyl recording.
Vinyl plays a role, interestingly, in the film’s setting of 2025, although it appears to throw back to the romantic 1940s and swaying 1960s, sometimes earlier, with its soundtrack including opera arias, Everybody’s Talking from Midnight Cowboy (1969), As Time Goes By from Casablanca (1942) and a clip on TV of Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946).
Iris occasionally leaves Apollo (Bing the Great Dane) in her apartment listening to a vinyl recording of timeless music.
Deceased Walter’s beloved dog Apollo, a big boy Great Dane, has been entrusted to the custody of cat-loving Iris.
In an apartment where dogs are not allowed, her place the size of the proverbial shoebox, the imposing yet unmoveable beast immediately creates problems for Iris, from taking over her bed, intentionally demolishing furniture to an inevitable eviction notice.
Still, Iris unexpectedly bonds with Apollo, a daily reminder of her lost friend, her coming to terms with her past and realisation of her own creative life.
Is this merely two hours of Naomi Watts emoting with a Great Dane? Though not looking like much on paper, the honest answer is… Hardly!
“Zoiks! There’s a pony on your bed, a very sad pony,” a neighbour exclaims.
Bing as Apollo the Great Dane is a huge scene stealer with his very expressive face.
As does Iris, Apollo grieves and shows bereavement at his owner’s unexpected demise.
He keeps a shirt in his mouth or by his nose, Walter’s body smell embedded in the threads, and he howls when Walter’s ashes are scattered in waters off Manhattan.
Apollo cries and demonstrates his desire to be comforted.
How is grief explained to an animal?
What do dogs make of human sadness?
Does the human support the dog or is it the other way around?
A veterinarian informs Iris, “The dog is in mourning.” Apollo’s stoicism goes further than sadness.
The same vet tells Iris that Apollo is already six years old and that a Great Dane’s life expectancy isn’t much longer.
Audiences prepared for one thing in the movie’s conclusion will be turned head over heel with something not anticipated.
The film is one to seek out for it will reverberate with dog-owners and anyone who has experienced loss.
Movie: The Friend
Duration: 119 mins
Directors: Scott McGehee David Siegel
Starring: Bill Murray, Naomi Watts, Bing the Great Dane
Rating: ****
Reviewed by Lawrenty
