Starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, The Friend tells the story of a Manhattan writer, Iris, who unexpectedly inherits her best friend Walter’s 180-pound Great Dane when he passes away.

Iris isn’t in a realistic position to take the stately and now-saddened Apollo, but as she tries to honor her late buddy’s wishes, she finds her growing bond with the canine conjures profound insights into loss, grieving and the residual regret that comes from not getting closer in a relationship.

The Friend is based on a novel by Sigrid Nunez that made a splash in 2018. This adaptation for the screen is marked by a wall-to-wall outstanding performance from Watts, sharpened by the smart and thoughtful film-making from Scott McGehee and David Siegel.

Murray is his ever-enigmatic self, bringing an understated touch of humanity to a very sensitive subject.

The Friend plays all week and throughout the weekend at the historic Tower Theatre on Broadway Avenue in Sacramento.