Bleecker Street Takes on The Friend: A Heartwarming Tale of Grief and Connection

Bleecker Street has made a significant addition to its film lineup, acquiring the North American rights to the upcoming feature film, The Friend. Directed and written by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, this heartfelt narrative stars the remarkable Naomi Watts alongside the legendary Bill Murray, and features a Great Dane named Bing. The film is slated for a theatrical release in 2025, promising an emotional journey that resonates deeply with audiences.

An emotive cinematic experience awaits viewers in 2025.

This film marks the second collaboration between Bleecker Street and the talented duo of Siegel and McGehee. The company previously managed the U.S. release of Montana Story, a neo-Western drama that received accolades in 2021. The partnership promises to continue delivering unique and impactful storytelling.

In The Friend, viewers follow the life of Iris, played by Naomi Watts, whose seemingly tranquil existence in New York is upended following the sudden death of her closest friend and mentor, portrayed by Murray. In a surprising twist, her late friend leaves her his beloved Great Dane, a 150-pound whirlwind of fur named Apollo. The addition of such a hefty canine companion complicates Iris’s life, leading to destruction of her belongings and unexpected eviction notices. Yet beyond these tangible problems looms a greater existential challenge: grappling with the memories and choices of her dear friend.

As Iris forges an unexpected bond with Apollo, she confronts her past, navigating feelings of grief and the myriad complexities of friendship. The relationship between human and animal becomes a catalyst for emotional healing, allowing Iris to face the sorrows of her past while discovering a path to artistic inspiration.

“The Friend is a quintessential New York story, featuring incredible writing and emotional performances that honor the power of friendship,” said Andrew Karpen, founder and CEO of Bleecker Street.

Bill Murray and Naomi Watts deliver powerful performances in a journey of self-discovery.

The film world-premiered with outstanding praise, garnering a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes at the Telluride Film Festival, followed by appearances at the Toronto International Film Festival and New York Film Festival. The film’s screenplay, adapted from Sigrid Nunez’s National Book Award-winning novel, has resonated widely, with Nunez’s work recently recognized in The New York Times as one of the “100 Best Books of the 21st Century.”

In discussing the film’s relationship with Bleecker Street, Siegel and McGehee expressed enthusiasm for reconnecting with a company they believe champions independent filmmaking and the theatrical experience. “We’re thrilled with how people have connected with our film,” they remarked. “We cannot wait for them to introduce audiences to The Friend in local cinemas next year.”

The production team includes McGehee, Siegel, and Mike Spreter under their newly established Big Creek Projects banner, alongside producer Liza Chasin of 3dot Productions. The project has also seen contributions from executive producers Margaret Chernin and Watts herself, ensuring a collaborative effort to bring this poignant story to life.

Coming soon: The Friend - a film about friendship, loss, and the healing power of companionship.

As anticipation builds for the release of The Friend, it’s clear that this film aims to do more than entertain; it seeks to foster a conversation about love, loss, and the deep connections that define our lives. With an impressive cast and a compelling storyline, Bleecker Street is primed to deliver another touching requisite to the cinematic landscape in 2025.

Stay tuned to Cinephile Central for updates and insights into this exciting cinematic release, as we look forward to witnessing the journey of Iris and Apollo unfold on the big screen.