The Cinema Series continues at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center with screenings of “The Friend,” starring Bill Murray and Naomi Watts, on Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Writer and teacher Iris (Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Murray) dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend’s problematic choices in both life and death. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with the animal, she begins to come to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life.

The Detroit News calls the film “rich and emotionally complex; and it’s insightful about the relationships in our lives, both of the human and dog variety.” The Seattle Times calls it “a very New York movie, with its brownstone-lined streets and bookish apartments and literary professions, but its message is a universal one: Grief is a profound journey, better experienced with a friend at one’s side.” The Guardian calls it “a sweet, naturalistic tale of this odd couple who learn to adore each other, with a few montages that feel fully out of a dog adoption ad.” Rated R for language, and a sexual reference, “The Friend” runs two hours, three minutes.

Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or staff member. The Opera House Cinema Series is generously sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high-quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.