Hollywood Jesus

Please join us at 7:00 pm for the movie.

The Friend (2024)

Novelist and creative writing teacher Iris finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after Walter, her closest friend and mentor, dies unexpectedly leaving his beloved Great Dane Apollo to her care. Confronted with the problems that come with caring for a large dog in a big city, Iris discovers an ally and support in Apollo as she comes to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life. Liz Braun (Original Cin) writes, “There’s a lot going on under the calm, beautifully acted    surface of The Friend. The story concerns love, grief, and letting go, but it’s also about life in middle age and stepping outside one’s safety zone. … The performances are  understated and affecting, and Watts is absolutely wonderful as Iris.”

Based on the bestselling novel by Sigrid Nunez, The Friend stars Naomi Watts (Mulholland Drive, The Impossible), Bill Murray (Lost in Translation, Ghostbusters) and in his cinematic debut, Bing, the Great Dane.

Rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “language including a sexual reference.”

There will be a brief discussion of the theological and moral-ethical themes of the film immediately following. Movie snacks, light hors d’oeuvres, desserts, drinks, and comfy chairs will be provided.

And of course, friends, neighbors, and dates are always welcome!