The Friend
Seen it?2025 | 119 min | Comedy, Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved A Man Called Otto or The Station Agent, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 59 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
New York City writer Iris finds her comfortable, solitary life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor bequeaths her a Great Dane named Apollo. The huge dog immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with Apollo, she begins to come to terms with her past, and her own creative inner life.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
84% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$4 million worldwide
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
Not enough engagement data yet
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by David Siegel, Scott McGehee
- Naomi WattsIris
- Bill MurrayWalter
- Ann DowdMarjorie
- Constance WuTuesday
- Sarah PidgeonVal
- Carla GuginoElaine
- Noma DumezweniBarbara
- Felix SolisHektor
- Owen TeagueCarter
- BingApollo