Alain Delon, the iconic French actor, left behind a heartfelt request regarding his cherished dog, Loubo, upon his passing. Delon, who had a profound connection with his Belgian Malinois, hoped to spare his pet from the anguish of his absence by having Loubo euthanized alongside him. Eventually, Delon’s family decided Loubo would continue living, easing the public’s concerns.
The poignant exploration of loss and emotional bonds is central to The Friend, a film that approaches grief through a compelling narrative about a large Great Dane named Apollo. The story follows Iris, portrayed by Naomi Watts, who is tasked with adopting Apollo after his previous owner, a renowned but troubled author named Walter Meredith, passes away.
This task brings Iris face-to-face with the challenges of caring for a massive dog while also dealing with her own emotional turmoil. The film intricately addresses the difficulties of planning for a pet’s future after one’s death, a reality many pet owners overlook.
Bill Murray plays Walter Meredith, whose legacy and complex personal life add layers to the plot. The film, directed by David Siegel and Scott McGehee, benefits from Murray’s presence, even though his role is somewhat limited. The narrative is based on Sigrid Nunez’s novel, which offers a reflective take on how animals symbolize and help us cope with the concept of mortality.
While the film may drag at times and features overly accommodating characters, it remains a thoughtful examination of how adopting a pet can intersect with themes of grief and pre-grief. Despite its flaws, The Friend stands out for its introspective approach to the impact of losing a loved one and the responsibilities of taking on a new pet.