“The Friend” | Indian Lake | May 22 -25, 2025
- Indian Lake Theater 6311 New York 30 Indian Lake, NY, 12842 United States (map)
Indian Lake Theater Presents “The Friend”
Starring Naomi Watts, Bill Murray and a 150 pound Great Dane.
Naomi Watts stars in “The Friend.” Photo by Matt Infante/Bleecker Street via the Associated Press.
In “The Friend,” writer and teacher Iris, portrayed by Naomi Watts, finds her comfortable and solitary life in New York turned upside down after (SPOILER ALERT) the sudden death of her closest friend and mentor, Bill Murray. He leaves her his beloved 150-pound Great Dane, Apollo.
This regal yet stubborn dog quickly creates practical challenges for Iris, ranging from furniture damage to eviction notices, as well as more existential dilemmas.
Jake Coyle of the Associated Press noted, “The star of 'The Friend’ has the loping stride of Robert Mitchum and the droopy, melancholy eyes of Peter Lorre. He has those classic Hollywood features—instantly accessible, forever unknowable—and when he walks down the street with his co-stars, Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, people’s heads turn.”
Apollo's imposing presence constantly reminds Iris of her friend's complicated decisions regarding life and death. However, as Iris unexpectedly bonds with the dog, she begins to confront her past, reflect on her lost friend, and explore her own creative inner life.
A heartfelt narrative for devoted pet-parents and anyone who has navigated the profound journey of loss.
Infusing its tale of grief with charming human-canine interactions, “The Friend” is a delightful dramedy that will resonate with pet owners and anyone who has experienced loss.
In his review of “The Friend,” Time Out magazine’s film critic Philip De Semlyen called the film “a poignantly affecting watch that mostly earns its emotional payoff, delivering gentle laughs along the way. It’ll have them howling in the aisles at the next dog-friendly screening.
In The Washington Post, critic Ty Burr remarked "‘The Friend’ is a better dog movie than it is a people movie, but it’s such a wonderful dog movie that you may not mind that the people are merely fine.”
Verified viewers were positive about the film on RottenTomatoes.com. Comments included, “I thought the movie was thought-provoking and basically well acted. And who doesn't like a movie that stars an adorable Great Dane?” Another reviewer opined, “Thoroughly enjoyable movie, which managed to both be an homage to dogs, as well as a philosophical treatise about the meaning of life.”
“The Friend” plays May 22 to 25. Showtimes are 7 pm Thursday through Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday.
For more information, visit the Indian Lake Theater website.
Watch the trailer for “The Friend.”
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