A heartfelt journey with ‘The Friend’: Exploring grief through a canine companion
The bond between man and dog
Before his passing, a renowned French actor expressed a poignant wish: he wanted his beloved dog, Loubo, to be put down upon his death. He believed their bond was so profound that Loubo would suffer immensely in his absence. This touching sentiment sets the stage for the film “The Friend”, a moving exploration of grief and companionship. The film delves into the complexities of explaining death to a dog, a theme that resonates deeply with pet owners and animal lovers alike.
A unique take on grief
“The Friend” is not your typical dog movie. It offers a nuanced portrayal of coping with loss, centered around Apollo, a harlequin Great Dane who finds himself without a master. Naomi Watts stars as Iris, a woman who reluctantly takes on the responsibility of caring for Apollo. The film’s emotional depth is enhanced by its exploration of mortality and the psychological burden of losing someone to suicide.
The human-animal connection
Explaining death to people is challenging enough, let alone to a dog. Many pet owners fail to plan for their pets’ futures, but this is not the case for Walter Meredith, played by Bill Murray. Walter, a once-celebrated author whose career was marred by misconduct allegations, leaves Apollo to his former student and lover, Iris. This decision sets off a chain of events that forces Iris to confront her own grief and responsibilities.
A stellar cast and a complex narrative
The film’s co-directors, David Siegel and Scott McGehee, scored a major coup by casting Bill Murray in a role that demands a strong off-screen presence. Walter’s funeral is attended by a colorful array of characters, including his three ex-wives and an adult daughter, Val. This ensemble cast adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it more than just a simple animal-adoption story.
The symbolism of Apollo
Both the novel and the film can be interpreted on multiple levels. On the surface, “The Friend” is about the challenges of adopting a large, emotionally burdened animal. However, it also serves as a metaphor for the weight of grief and the process of healing. Apollo symbolizes the emotional baggage that comes with losing a loved one, particularly to suicide.
The emotional journey
At two hours, “The Friend” may seem lengthy for an animal-adoption tale, but its emotional resonance makes it worthwhile. The film encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences with loss and the role pets play in helping us grieve. A friend once told me that dogs are here to help humans cope with grief, a sentiment that rings true throughout the film.
Iris’s struggle and growth
Iris’s journey is fraught with challenges. She lives in a small, pet-free apartment in New York City, making Apollo’s presence a constant source of tension. Her building manager is strict, and her neighbors are wary of the massive dog. Yet, Iris sees in Apollo a living connection to her deceased friend, Walter, and a creature that now depends on her for survival.
The impracticality and charm of Apollo
A Great Dane in a New York apartment is far from practical, but this impracticality adds to the film’s charm. Scenes of Apollo dragging Iris through the streets or refusing to move highlight the absurdity and beauty of their relationship. The film’s use of “Everybody’s Talkin'” as a musical backdrop is a nod to classic cinema, adding an extra layer of emotional depth.
The resolution and lessons learned
Dog lovers will find much to appreciate in “The Friend”, even if the film’s resolution feels a bit too tidy. Before Iris can truly save Apollo, she must decide if she wants to keep him, accepting the responsibility for his life and acknowledging his mortality. The film serves as both a lesson in grief and an exercise in pre-grieving, preparing viewers for the inevitable losses in their own lives.
Final reflections
While “The Friend” may not move everyone equally, it offers a poignant exploration of grief and the human-animal bond. The well-trained canine actor, Bing, who plays Apollo, may seem too perfect at times, but the film’s emotional core remains intact. The characters’ politeness in the face of adversity may frustrate some viewers, but it underscores the film’s message of compassion and understanding.
“The Friend” provides a cathartic experience, encouraging viewers to confront their own emotions and the complexities of grief. The film’s therapy scenes and Iris’s confrontation with Walter’s ghost add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling watch for anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Friend.
Keywords: grief, canine companion, emotional support animal, Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, David Siegel, Scott McGehee, The Friend, Apollo, Great Dane, Walter Meredith, Iris, loss, healing, mortality, suicide, animal adoption, New York City, dog lovers, pre-grieving.