The Friend

Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, an amazing Great Dane named (at least in his screen role) Apollo, and a low-key but funny and moving New York tale: these are the prime ingredients that make up The Friend, based on the bestselling novel. Writer and teacher Iris (Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Murray) unexpectedly dies and bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The regal yet intractable beast immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, and his looming presence constantly reminds her of her friend’s problematic choices in both life and death. Yet, as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with the animal, she perhaps begins to come to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life. The Friend “gracefully captures the remarkable, singular relationship that human beings share with their pets, tapping into the poignancy and warmth that comes from such a bond.”—Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly.

This film is eligible for the Youth Arts Access Fund. Call the Box Office at 207.873.7000 to obtain YAAF tickets. Pay it forward! Donate to YAAF here.

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