Naomi Watts Stars in 'The Friend' Trailer, Premieres March 21

The upcoming film 'The Friend,' directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, stars Naomi Watts as Iris, who inherits a Great Dane named Apollo from her late friend and mentor, Walter, played by Bill Murray. The film, based on Sigrid Nunez’s 2018 novel, explores themes of grief and healing as Iris navigates her new life with the dog, which serves as a constant reminder of her loss. 'The Friend' premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and has received positive reviews for its blend of humor and poignancy. It is set to release exclusively in New York on March 28, 2025, before expanding nationwide on April 4, 2025. The supporting cast includes notable actors such as Constance Wu and Carla Gugino, and the film is produced by the directors alongside Liza Chasin and Mike Spreter. Critics have praised its ability to balance emotional depth with lighthearted moments, making it a quintessential New York story.