Bing, who plays Apollo, is undeniably the star of The Friend, appearing every bit the bereaved creature, with a mournful expression that makes it exceedingly difficult not to anthropomorphise him early on. Then, as he and Iris begin to understand each other, he seems to come alive. Their unspoken relationship is so arresting that it turns this movie into a tender, low-stakes delight.

Jasmin Jeffery

ABC Entertainment

The Friend

31 JAN: 3 pm & 7 pm
119 mins – US – Drama/Comedy
(Mature themes, suicide references and coarse language)

VENUE: MALENY COMMUNITY CENTRE
23 MAPLE STREET MALENY 

An adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s best-selling National Book Award novel about a woman dealing with her friend’s suicide, The Friend is about Iris (Naomi Watts), a writer and teacher, who finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray when her closest friend, Walter (Bill Murray), dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb Harlequin Great Dane, Apollo (Bing). Apollo immediately creates practical problems for Iris (he resembles, as one person puts it, a pony), from furniture destruction to eviction notices (from a rent-controlled New York apartment!). Worse, his presence and droopy-eyed, grief-stricken stare are constant reminders of her friend’s death. As the story unfolds it becomes a sweet naturalistic tale of an odd couple who learn to adore each other.

MATINEE SCREENING
Doors Open at 2:30 pm for licensed bar, tea/coffee, slices
Movie Starts at 3:00 pm

EVENING SCREENING
Doors Open at 6 pm.
Movie starts at 7:00 pm for licensed bar, tea/coffee, slices
BYO nibbles, meals or restaurant takeaway (Tables provided)

 

THIS EVENT GOES ON SALE 18 JAN

CHOOSE YOUR SESSION TIME:
NOTE that a $1 per ticket booking fee will apply at checkout. Tickets also available at the door or the Maleny Visitors and Information Centre.