X
- 2021
- R
- Gravitas Ventures
- 2 h 4 m
- 2021
- R
- Gravitas Ventures
- 2 h 4 m
Summary [Formerly known as "The Friend."] After learning that his terminally ill wife has six months to live, a man welcomes the support of his best friend who moves into their home to help out. His impact on the whole family is much greater than anyone could have imagined.
Directed By: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Written By: Brad Ingelsby, Matthew Teague
- 2021
- R
- Gravitas Ventures
- 2 h 4 m
- 2021
- R
- Gravitas Ventures
- 2 h 4 m
Our Friend
57
6.6
Where to Watch
Summary [Formerly known as "The Friend."] After learning that his terminally ill wife has six months to live, a man welcomes the support of his best friend who moves into their home to help out. His impact on the whole family is much greater than anyone could have imagined.
Directed By: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Written By: Brad Ingelsby, Matthew Teague
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
57
65% Positive
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
15% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
20% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
57
65% Positive
13 Reviews
13 Reviews
15% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
20% Negative
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
The intimacy of Ms. Johnson’s performance is extraordinary. She is the least assertive of movie stars, yet the courage, despair and fury she finds in Nicole will lift you up and spin you around.
That diffuse focus and meandering narrative is the only real shortcoming in this consequential and touching weeper.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 User Ratings
6.6
63% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
25% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
13% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 User Ratings
6.6
63% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
25% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
13% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
This film is a masterpiece.
The subtlety of emotion & the chemistry between the actors was truly beautiful. Isabella Rice (Molly) shone as the eldest daughter, quietly distressed & conflicted; she was incredibly mature & elegant for such a young lady. Dakota Johnson (Nicole) offered all the light & shade the role could possibly need. Jason Segel (Dane), in a role I couldn't have imagined him playing, was stunning; from the authentic humour he brought to the darkest of moments, to the heartbreak his character battled with throughout. And Casey Affleck's (Matthew) performance will live with me for a long time; his nuanced performance was sublime. My partner & I were left heartbroken, yet somehow uplifted, by this work of art.
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Literally rip my heart out. This movie will hit close to home for so many people.
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Some will accuse Our Friend of being sentimental, and it is, but not in an “Oh no! The golden retriever was kidnapped!” way. It’s subtle. The wisdom of Brad Ingelsby’s script is that Dane’s assistance is unnoticeable until very late in the movie. His acts of kindness sneak up on you.
A handsome, earnest drama ... This is a tasteful, respectful and thoughtful film about what it means to be a true friend in the darkest of times.
All in all, Cowperthwaite (who directed the documentary Blackfish and made her narrative debut with Megan Leavey) has a difficult time giving the film any sense of style. Montages pop up exactly where one would expect, and nasty arguments are given the classic hand-held touch.
The resulting film, while sporadically affecting, is ultimately a slog of gooey sentiment and needlessly long death rattles.
Overlaying the drama with the false cheer of lively music and bouts of humor, the story feels out of touch with the very emotions it desperately tries to evoke. Neither tearjerker nor very affecting drama, it defaults to somewhere in the middle.
Great cast. Broke my heart. Jason Segel surprised me. Family and friends are what sustain us as humans. They got a LOT of things right with this story
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I thought this film was quite touching at points but not entirely original, although its based on a true story, so its important to point that out. Casey Affleck gives a pretty decent performance as the father and its a thoughtful film to an extent - showing how he reacts to the situation he faces with his daughters. Its not one of the most memorable films about terminal illnesses, parents with such circumstances, that I've seen but its not bad either. If it sounds of interest, I'd say its worth watching but don't expect too much perhaps...
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The titular character is played by Jason Segel, relishing an opportunity to go heavy. He’s besties with a married couple (Casey Affleck and Dakota Johnson). When she’s diagnosed with terminal cancer, he moves in with them and their 2 young daughters to help them cope. Yes, this is as grim as you might imagine. Making it somewhat more interesting (and sometimes confusing and sometimes frustrating) is that the timeline continually jumps around to reveal more about their relationships and extend the misery. The actors all do a fine job, but the continually intense interactions take a toll. Making it harder to handle is the 2 hour running time. Ironically, it’s based on a magazine article, but the length feels more like a novel. As an examination of death and friendship, the film is earnest, but the rambling narrative and extended length dilutes the film’s emotional impact.
One weird aspect: Even though the movie takes place in Alabama and New Orleans, only one person (the always wonderful Cherry Jones in a small part) has any trace of a Southern accent.
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Production Company
Black Bear,
STX International,
Scott Free Productions
Release Date Jan 22, 2021
Duration 2 h 4 m
Rating R
Website
https://ourfriendmovie.com/
