At the Liberty: "The Friend"

DAYTON — In “The Friend,” Iris (Naomi Watts,) a writer and teacher, finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor, played by Bill Murray, dies suddenly and leaves her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The giant pup, named Apollo, creates constant problems for Iris, including furniture destruction and eviction notices. Apollo’s looming presence reminds Iris of her lost friend’s problematic choices in life and death. However, Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with Apollo and comes to terms with her past, lost friend, and creative inner life. Stars Bill Murray and Naomi Watts.

The” Rotten Tomatoes” critics and the audience gave “The Friend” an average rating of 82%. The critics’ consensus was that “The Friend” is a winsome dramedy that will resonate with pet owners and anyone who’s experienced loss. The audience said it is an enjoyable movie that managed to both be a homage to dogs and a philosophical treatise about the meaning of life. “The Friend” is rated R for language, including a sexual reference, and has a runtime of 119 minutes.

Upcoming movies include “Minecraft.”

Coming in May is the theater’s spring melodrama “Peril on the High Seas” on May 9 – 11 and May 16 – 18. A beautiful heiress, Merry Ann Sweet, sets out for her first adventure in this roaring 20s dramedy. She will discover fun, friendship, and maybe romance. However, storms are brewing on the HMS Majestic, and a kidnapping plot unfolds, masterminded by the vile and villainous Snively Swine. Will dedicated police Sergeant Willy Ketchum be able to stop the dastardly plan, or will Snively succeed in whisking away the hapless heiress?

Tickets are now on sale at libertytheater.org or the box office between 2 and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, or call (509) 382-1380.