Once upon a time, Iris (Naomi Watts) was a good friend and formerly a part time lover of Walter (Bill Murray), an old-school author whose popular novels were as prolific as his womanizing ways. When he dies suddenly, Iris discovers she’s in charge of his literary letters, and his 180 pound great dane, Apollo. From MSPIFF alumni writer/directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel, The Friend is adapted from the bestselling novel by Sigrid Nunez

Bill Murray is pitch perfect as the cantankerous and philandering Walter, a popular novelist and university professor whose wave of affairs leave behind a complicated wake. When he passes, his favorite mentee and one-time lover, Iris (Watts in a wonderfully comic performance), suddenly finds herself the editor of his literary letters and owner of his enormous Great Dane, Apollo. Now she must try to find a home for the beast and manage her own grief. McGehee and Siegel’s charming film is both a bittersweet comedy and a showcase for two great actors.