The Friend is a 2024 American drama film written and directed by Siegel & McGehee. Based on the 2018 novel by Sigrid Nunez, it stars Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Constance Wu, Ann Dowd, Noma Dumezweni, Felix Solis, Owen Teague, and Carla Gugino. It had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and screened in the Gala section at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.[1][2]
| The Friend | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | |
| Screenplay by |
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| Based on | The Friend by Sigrid Nunez |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Giles Nuttgens |
| Edited by | Isaac Hagy |
| Music by |
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Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Bleecker Street |
Release date |
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Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Cast
edit- Naomi Watts as Iris
- Bill Murray as Walter
- Sarah Pidgeon as Val
- Constance Wu as Tuesday
- Ann Dowd as Marjorie
- Noma Dumezweni as Barbara
- Felix Solis
- Owen Teague
- Carla Gugino as Elaine
- Josh Pais as Jerry
Production
edit
In February 2022, it was announced Naomi Watts had joined the cast of the film, with Scott McGehee and David Siegel set to direct from a screenplay they wrote, based upon the 2018 novel of the same name by Sigrid Nunez.[3] In February 2024, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Constance Wu, Ann Dowd, Noma Dumezweni, Felix Solis and Owen Teague joined the cast. In March 2024, Carla Gugino joined the cast.[4][5][6] Principal photography began by February 2024, in New York City.[7][8]
Release
editThe Friend premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 30, 2024, and was also screened in the Gala Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2024. In October 2024, Bleecker Street acquired North American distribution rights to the film, planning to release it sometime in early 2025.[9]
Reception
editOn the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 14 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.4/10.[10] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 70 out of 100, based on 6 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.[11]
References
edit- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 22, 2024). "TIFF Galas & Special Presentations Lineup Includes World Premieres From Angelina Jolie, Mike Leigh, Gia Coppola; Starry Pics With Jennifer Lopez, Lily James, Dave Bautista; Int'l Premieres 'Conclave' & 'Piece By Piece', More". Deadline. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (29 August 2024). "Telluride Film Festival Lineup Includes 'Saturday Night', 'The Piano Lesson', 'Conclave' & 'Nickel Boys' World Premieres". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (February 9, 2022). "Naomi Watts To Star In Canine Pic 'The Friend' Based On Hit Novel; Liza Chasin Produces & The Veterans Launches Sales — EFM Hot Pic". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (February 26, 2024). "Naomi Watts & Bill Murray To Topline Dramedy 'The Friend' From Scott McGehee & David Siegel; Constance Wu, Ann Dowd Among Others Set". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (February 29, 2024). "Felix Solis & Owen Teague Join Naomi Watts, Bill Murray In Dramedy 'The Friend'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (March 5, 2024). "Carla Gugino Latest To Join Naomi Watts, Bill Murray In 'The Friend'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
- ^ Braun, Don (February 9, 2024). "Naomi Watts at "The Friend" Filming Set in New York 02/08/2024". Celeb Mafia. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ Paumgarten, Nick (May 6, 2024). "An A-List Animal Trainer Prepares a Great Dane for His Film Début". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (23 October 2024). "Naomi Watts' 'The Friend' Goes to Bleecker Street". Retrieved 23 October 2024.
- ^ "The Friend". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "The Friend". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
External links
edit- The Friend at IMDb