The new drama, “The Friend”, starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray is an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel about an unconventional friendship between a writer and her late friend and mentor.

The film follows Iris, a writer and professor living in New York City. She has just learned about the unexpected passing of her longtime mentor and dear friend, Walter. The heartbreaking news has shocked her, and she isn’t fully able to process how the death has affected her due to the pressures of finishing the novel she had been working on with Walter and having to take care of his Great Dane, Apollo, which Walter has inconveniently passed on to her. To make matters worse her apartment does not allow pets, and finding a new home for Apollo is proving that Iris is taking on more than she can chew.

While Apollo starts out as an imposition in Iris’ life, he quickly becomes a blessing. He fills a void as a representation of Walter and helps her cope with the tragic loss – further proving the healing benefits of an emotional support animal. The film is more of a character study.  While we see how all the people in Walter’s life are impacted in different ways by his passing, we focus on the one who seems to be internalizing most of her feelings. I wouldn’t say there’s a whole lot to unpack here, the message is straightforward, and the story is simple, but the delivery is well done through its heartfelt performances and the subtle progression of Iris and Apollo’s therapeutic bond.

Outside of the captivating flashbacks between Walter and Iris and the dynamic between Iris and her new furry friend, the film lacks creativity. It follows a familiar formula we have seen many times before and there’s nothing necessarily inspiring about the visuals or filmmaking. However, it is a solid watch that tackles heavy, yet relatable themes about friendship, grief, and life in general. And it never hurts to watch a heartwarming and easy-going story about the positive impact of companionship.

Rating: B-

“The Friend” is currently playing in theaters.