This weekend – April 18, 19, 20, 2025 – at the historic Concrete Theatre, audiences can experience The Friend, a heartfelt drama starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray. Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, this adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s acclaimed 2018 novel explores themes of loss, love, and the unexpected ways we find healing.
Naomi Watts stars as Iris, a solitary novelist and writing teacher in New York City whose life is turned upside down after the sudden death of her best friend and mentor, Walter (Bill Murray). Walter leaves behind not only a complex legacy but also his beloved Great Dane, Apollo—a 150-pound “gentle giant” who becomes both a burden and a lifeline for Iris. Struggling with her own grief and the challenges of caring for such an enormous pet in her tiny Manhattan apartment, Iris embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is as touching as it is transformative.
The film opens with Walter’s tragic passing and Iris’s reluctant agreement to take in Apollo. The dog’s massive presence causes immediate chaos in her life, from landlord disputes to destroyed furniture. Yet Apollo’s soulful eyes—one blue, one brown—mirror Iris’s own grief, creating an unspoken bond between them. As Iris navigates her memories of Walter—his wit, his flaws, and their complicated relationship—the film gently unfolds into a meditation on friendship, loss, and the healing power of connection.
Critics have praised The Friend for its emotional depth and nuanced performances. Naomi Watts delivers a career-defining portrayal of Iris, capturing the character’s vulnerability and resilience. Bill Murray shines in flashbacks as Walter, infusing the role with his signature charm and complexity. The film’s emotional centerpiece is a devastatingly raw confrontation between Iris and Walter that delves into themes of suicide and unresolved guilt.
While the story could have veered into broad comedy—especially given the absurdity of caring for such an enormous dog in a cramped apartment—McGehee and Siegel keep the tone grounded. They skillfully balance moments of humor with poignant reflections on grief. Apollo, played by an expressive Great Dane named Bing, is more than just a pet; he becomes a symbol of love and loss, bridging the gap between Iris’s past and her uncertain future.
Visually, The Friend captures the contrasts of urban life with stunning cinematography by Giles Nuttgens. From the cozy chaos of Iris’s apartment to sunlit scenes of Walter discovering Apollo in Central Park, every frame feels deliberate and evocative. For those who have loved and lost—or found solace in an animal companion—The Friend offers a deeply relatable experience. It reminds us that while grief may never fully disappear, it can transform us in unexpected ways. Don’t miss this moving film at Concrete Theatre this weekend!