The Friend
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (out of 5 stars)
We all have those friends who have the ability to say whatever is on their mind or treat others with contempt without any repercussions. Bill Murray has represented those people throughout his career. Still, this story leaves him as less endearing and ultimately as an unappealing friend. Yet, Naomi Watts manages to deliver one of her best performances, embodying the brokenness and perseverance of the human spirit.
Iris (Watts) is a successful professor of creative writing and an aspiring author who has been friends with Walter (Murray) for years. He is a charismatic figure in the literary world who has struggled to maintain relationships. Yet, their friendship has endured over the years. Until he takes his life and leaves behind his final legacy, a Great Dane. Despite having three wives and an extensive estate, he leaves the dog to his long-suffering friend, who lives in a one-bedroom flat that doesn't allow pets. As Iris wrestles with her own grief, she must determine how to care for Walter's dog as it grieves the loss of its owner.
What appears to be a compelling journey of grief turns into a surprisingly unsentimental tale of friendship and embracing the life you have been given. Despite the beautiful dog and a commanding performance from Naomi Watts, this film is more confronting than uplifting. As Bill Murray ages, his charm loses some of its sex appeal and takes on a more grandfatherly quality. To think that he had these three wives, plus mistresses, becomes less and less believable as the years pass.
The Friend has more bite than bark as it unpacks the horrific side effects of suicide, the grief of an unwanted burden and what a lifetime of regret leaves us with in the end. Even with a giant dog lying on the bed, this film is more about why we should steer clear of being a lapdog to those who influence our lives.
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REEL DIALOGUE: Life is worth living, even if it is just for the dog
What could have been an endearing discussion on grief ends up being overshadowed by the discussion of suicide. Behind the outstanding performance of Naomi Watts. If there is an underlying message of how life is meant to be lived. If this film does any good, it has the potential to encourage people to know that God cares for them as they grieve and can sustain them through the difficulties of living.
Before anyone is born and they experience all of life's inevitable trials, God knew us all. He sees all of his creation as a masterpiece, as the psalmist says in Psalm 139: 'You are fearfully and wonderfully made.' Also, throughout the trials and travails of this time on earth, He provides hope through the work of His son, Jesus, who came to save us and give us access to eternal life.
