Great Dane proves good Friend

Narrating The Friend, Naomi Watts quickly acknowledges that pretty much any story about a dog raises a key dreaded question for animal lovers. Springboarding from a novel by Sigrid Nunez, the script co-written by directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel avoids an immediate answer as it looks in on a group of Manhattan intellectuals who just lost a dear friend to suicide. One member—played by Watts—inherits her friend’s Great Dane, a difficult prospect for a cat person who lives in a rent controlled apartment. Despite the potential for saccharine cuteness, the filmmakers reflect realities in a world where doggie demands prove both difficult and rewarding. Shooting in actual apartments and other practical locations makes small details stand out, as does a decision to use one single dog instead of a team of lookalikes or animatronic creatures. The directors often shoot from the dog’s eye level, capturing Manhattan and the cast at different but natural angles. Conversation feels equally at ease—but then Watts specializes in small, comfortable gestures, and it never hurts to have Bill Murray along for the ride. Murray’s presence flows strongly through the film, mostly in brief flashback moments since he plays the suicidal friend. Carla Gugino, Sarah Pidgeon, Constance Wu, and Owen Teague are among other cast members with standout moments, though the best go to Bing exuding grief as the Great Dane named Apollo. Bing needs no dialogue to convey his emotions—though of course good training and directing help. And as for that question—The Friend provides answers worth waiting for.