Naomi Watts and Bill Murray headline *The Friend*, a cinematic rendition of Sigrid Nunez’s novel centered on a woman who receives her deceased best friend’s Great Dane.

Helmed by directors and writers David Siegel and Scott McGehee, the film depicts Watts as Iris, who unexpectedly takes on the responsibility of Apollo—a gigantic Great Dane portrayed by a dog named Bing—after her mentor Walter (Murray) bequeaths him to her in his will. At first, their connection is tense, as Apollo constantly reminds Iris of her profound loss. Nevertheless, as suggested in the trailer, which features a score by Sharon Van Etten, their relationship slowly evolves into something meaningful.

Featuring a remarkable supporting ensemble, the film includes Carla Gugino (*The Fall of the House of Usher*), Constance Wu (*Hustlers*), Noma Dumezweni (*The Undoing*), Ann Dowd (*The Handmaid’s Tale*), Felix Solis (*Unfrosted*), Sarah Pidgeon (*Tiny Beautiful Things*), and Owen Teague (*Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes*).

*The Friend* is set to debut in select theaters in New York on March 21 prior to its broader U.S. release on April 4.