The year 2020 was difficult, and the start of 2021 hasn't been much better, making it an unfortunate time for a studio to release something as emotionally draining as “Our Friend.” Films dealing with terminal illness are rarely easy to watch, but this one is so overwhelmingly sad that it could potentially bring down even people who generally maintain a positive outlook. The movie, adapted from an award-winning Esquire magazine piece, recounts the true story of journalist Matt Teague (Casey Affleck) and his actress wife Nicole (Dakota Johnson), who receives a diagnosis of terminal cancer. When his closest friend, Dane (Jason Segel), observes Matt struggling to cope with his wife's illness while also trying to be a good father to his two young daughters (Violet McGraw, Isabella Kai), he decides to put his own life on pause and moves in with them to provide support during their most challenging period. It’s a demonstration of unwavering friendship as Dane remains by the family’s side until the very end. If that sounds like a touching story about loyalty, it largely is. The narrative unfolds through segments presented out of chronological order, offering glimpses into how events unfolded and ultimately concluded. Some of the more disturbing aspects of Teague's article are left out of the film, with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite opting for an inspirational tone instead. This sanitization feels contrived and insincere, and even though the three main actors deliver excellent performances, it remains a very depressing experience. It’s expected that Affleck delivers a strong performance in this type of role, but Segel is the genuine revelation. He portrays Dane with a sense of sadness and compassion that seems authentic and isn't something audiences have seen from him before. Cherry Jones has a brief appearance as a hospice nurse, and her portrayal stands out as particularly memorable, demonstrating a realistic empathy for her patient. I imagine “Our Friend” would be an acceptable drama for those wanting to use up a whole box of tissues, but it’s hard to recommend given the current circumstances. It's about human connection and friendship that isn't quite as cheerful as it initially appears, though there are still moments of happiness present.

Source on TMDB