Movie Review: The Friend

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A very effective dramedy. 

Despite much of the plot revolving around a woman befriending a dog, this is not the very sentimental movie some might think it would be. Nor is this film full of the type of silly slapstick of the type from the Disney animal movies from the 1950's and 60's. Instead, this movie is reflection on death, suicide and friendship as our main character must take care of her friend's dog after her friend commits suicide. This movie looks at this delicate subject matter with pure respect, intelligence and sophistication. Here is a movie that pulls on your heartstrings without ever feeling emotionally manipulative. Much of this is because of how much we grow to care about the main character and can relate to her. It helps that both her relationship with the dog and his previous owner feel fully former. Her relationship to her dead friend leads to some very emotional and thought-provoking moments as she has to come to terms with his suicide and not knowing why he did it. This is all done with the upmost taste and respect but also lead us to think deeply about just what it means to commit suicide. The relationship with the dog evolves over the course of the film in a way that feels completely real and believable. All of this is helped by a great performance from Naomi Watts, who feels so completely real and natural in this role. While Bill Murray doesn't have as much screentime, he really shines in this role, once again proving that he is just as great at both comedy and serious drama. 

This movie does have its flaws though. The main human characters are writers and because of this the dialogue and narration can often be very literary. Sometimes it can be too self-consciously so. There are times when it can sound like the writers are trying too hard to sound literary. Also, for a dramedy, the humor never once made me laugh out loud. The humor is not bad by any means, but I would have liked to have one real laugh here. 

Despite its flaws this is a very smart and emotional film.