Had read the both. This is a nice adaptation but the ending of the movie was more sentimental.

Bill Murray is great in this movie, as he is in almost every movie he's in ... but he's only in it for like ten minutes total. The rest of the movie really is boring, has no point, and the timing is way off. It's not *terrible* ... but it's not at all a *good* movie either, it's just a "barely watchable and hope you don't fall asleep from boredom" half-way decent watch.

Well done, but leaves you wanting more.

It was a sad movie.. but we enjoyed it… a good one to stream, esp if you love dogs.

Acting was good, the story was real. Great dog trainer and thought provoking, heartwarming. On the dislike side it was a little bit slow.

Interesting emotional story at times especially for dog people, with some humour and an excellent cast!

I really like the movie and the past sequences incorporated into it to bring it up to the modern day. Of course I love dog movies. Naomi Watts and Bill Murray were very good in it.

While on vacation in Hollywood (ooh la la) I obviously had to see a movie. Funnily enough, I chose the most “New York” movie out there. THE FRIEND is a drama based on a book by Sigrid Nunez about a writer named Iris (Naomi Watts). Her best friend Walter (Bill Murray) commits suicide, leaving her to deal with the grief of the loss, his many exes, and a Great Dane called Apollo. Living in a tiny apartment building, her landlord is urging her to move out because of Apollo. This dog is a huge scene stealer, very expressive and such a good boy. Yes he is. He reminds us that he’s grieving right alongside Iris. They start to bond, even though she’s not a dog person. This movie shows how one person can affect the people around them in different ways. There are thought-provoking and fascinating conversations that take place here. Taking control of your life can look like a variety of things, small or big. Apollo could be seen as a metaphor for a few things, depending on who’s asking. THE FRIEND will resonate with dog-owners and everyone who has experienced loss, which is probably most people.

Slow, quiet movie that makes you think and feel. Really pulls you in.

Loved the dog and the story was very heartwarming.

Found it a compelling movie, housed by writers who couldn't use their words, to convey their desperation, loneliness and self sabotage. Their stories only becomes less opaque as the film progresses. I loved the NYC it captured, the natural aging beauty of Naomi Watts and the soulful eyes of Apollo.

Wonderful cast and acting. Glad I saw it but it didn’t have the emotional wallop I expected. But yeah, worth a watch.

it's a thoughtful story, a little happy, a little sad. if you've never had a pet (the love of a pet), not sure you'd understand this movie. Naomi Watts was fabulous in this, and Bill Murray was ok

i thought this movie was really unique and as a dog lover i liked it. however certain scenes were kind of awkward and you could tell they were just trying to copy the book

This movie really pulled at your heart strings. Bill Murray was his awesome self. Naomi Watts was amazing and Apollo the dog was fantastic. There wasnt a dry eye in the theater.

Love the movie A lot of good thoughts.

Very boring. Also why did they have bill Murrays character cause of death be suicide and to make no provisions for his beloved dog. The dog was the best acting in this moving. I have a large dig and found it very sad at end.

We did not care for this movie, although the cast is great. It was slow and didn't grab your attention. I think the plot would be much improved if it were a comedy instead of a drama. Add in comedic elements, and it would be a cute and relatable story. The way it is now, it is boring. We left before it ended.

Great acting unexpectedly heartwarming. The dog(Apollo) stole the show! It deals with suicide in a very thoughtful way.

BOOOOOOORRRRRRINGGGGGG! 😴