Not all movies release in theaters, especially this past year. Our Friend is a new release available PVOD (Amazon), that tells the rough and real story originally by journalist Matthew Teague, who wrote about the experience of his wife’s cancer and the blanket of friendship that brought him comfort and strength.
When I first saw the trailer for this, I knew I wanted to see it, but kind of put it in the back of my mind for when it showed up on tv. Over the weekend, I was in a room in Clubhouse with one of the acquisition managers from Gravitas Ventures. He talked about the film Our Friend and how proud he was to get it in front of us. He is right; it’s a beautiful, heart-breaking story.
Matt (Casey Affleck) and Nicole (Dakota Johnson) are married with two girls when Nicole is diagnosed with cancer. Their good friend Dane (Jason Segal), is compelled to move in and help out with the girls. The script is very good apart from the bouncing around in time. The dialogue is authentic and painful. The performances are believable. Even the supporting characters have depth and purpose.
Pretty sure you will not get through this movie without some emotion. For me, the song “Can’t Find My Way Home” from Steve Winwood/Blind Faith brought out the first tissues, and I’m still humming it today.