User reviews

Watched the Friend at NYFF among an appreciative and applauding crowd. It is a multi dimensional story of grief where we don't know whether the human is supporting the animal ot is it vice versa.

We try to understand Walter's character thru interactions of his near and dear ones. Iris is a complicated character poignantly played by Naomi Watts.

But at the end it is Apollo who helps everyone find their way in life.

The backdrop of NYC where the story is based also shot was amazing. It has its own character as Iris and Apollo go thru their daily life among the teeming millions.

Finally a great shoutout to the dog playing Apollo. One of the beat animal acted movies.

I didn't want to watch this film because I don't like films with dogs ... I worry what will happen to the dog.

But the first line narrated as the film starts says "I know you are worried about what's going to happen to the dog" (or something of the kind) It hooked me. The writing is really good in this story. The actors are superb, of course, and the story is a very realistic portrait of life, loss, suicide, grief, and the anger of being left behind.

I laughed, I cried, then I laughed again and cried all over. I couldn't stop watching the unfolding story of this lady and her enormous dog in NYC.

I watch so much stuff I get to the point where I've seen it all - can't take another series about drugs, money laundering and violent gangs -. But this film really surprised me and kept me glued to my screen with delight and heart felt emotion.