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.

Credits: TheMovieDb.

Film Cast:

• Matthew Teague: Casey Affleck
• Nicole Teague: Dakota Johnson
• Dane Faucheux: Jason Segel
• Teresa: Gwendoline Christie
• Faith: Cherry Jones
• Gale: Ahna O’Reilly
• Aaron: Jake Owen
• Charlotte: Denée Benton
• Kat: Marielle Scott
• Molly Teague: Isabella Kai
• Evie Teague: Violet McGraw
• Dr. Michael Felton: Michael Papajohn
• La fille de Teresa: Evangeline Lindes
• Theater Crowd (uncredited): Hali Everette

Film Crew:

• Executive Producer: Ridley Scott
• Post Production Supervisor: J.M. Logan
• Executive Producer: Brad Ingelsby
• Stunt Coordinator: Nick Loren
• Editor: Colin Patton
• Original Music Composer: Rob Simonsen
• Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
• Producer: Teddy Schwarzman
• Set Decoration: Melisa Jusufi
• “A” Camera Operator: Joe Anderson
• Studio Teacher: Mark Alkofer
• Producer: Kevin J. Walsh
• Foley Artist: John Simpson
• Assistant Sound Editor: Tim Tuchrello
• Sound Effects Editor: Paul Pirola
• Utility Sound: Julian Cabrera
• Music Editor: Nick South
• Makeup Department Head: Jacenda Burkett
• Supervising Sound Editor: Will Files
• Script Supervisor: Jean-Paul Chreky
• Still Photographer: Claire Folger
• Sound Effects Editor: James Harvey
• Steadicam Operator: Dave Isern
• Sound Re-Recording Mixer: David Esparza
• Production Design: Cara Brower
• Chief Lighting Technician: Jesse Goldberg
• Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Lindsey Alvarez
• Supervising Sound Editor: Robert Chen
• Producer: Michael A. Pruss
• Sound Effects Editor: Shane Hayes
• Unit Publicist: Scott Levine
• Costume Design: Alana Morshead
• “B” Camera Operator: Timothy Dixon
• Leadman: Will E. Drummond
• First Assistant “A” Camera: Jason Wittenberg
• Dialogue Editor: Sang Kim
• Makeup Artist: Tiffanie Hudson
• Dialect Coach: Maureen Brennan
• Casting Assistant: Jennifer Yoo
• Special Effects Coordinator: Chris Bailey
• Executive Producer: Ben Stillman
• Unit Production Manager: B. Ted Deiker
• Foley Recordist: Lisa Simpson
• First Assistant Director: Sean Vawter
• Second Assistant Director: Colin Flaherty
• Construction Coordinator: John Rezner
• Key Grip: David C. Romano
• Art Direction: Samantha Englender
• Production Supervisor: Janelle Canastra
• Sound Mixer: Kevin S. Parker
• Digital Colorist: Mike Sowa
• Best Boy Grip: Lyle Weston
• Boom Operator: Ryan Baker
• Producer: Ryan Stowell
• Hair Department Head: Jennifer Serio
• Dolly Grip: Tommy Armstrong
• Sound Effects Editor: Brendan Croxon
• Location Manager: Alex Berard
• Hairstylist: Tiffany Lord
• Second Second Assistant Director: Sarah Balboa
• Sound Effects Editor: Tom Scott-Toft
• Executive Producer: Michael Heimler
• Second Assistant “B” Camera: Matt Banfield
• Assistant Sound Editor: Sam Fan
• Art Department Coordinator: Susan Smits
• Story: Matthew Teague
• Costume Supervisor: Jocelyn Pierce
• Leadman: Tyler Mann
• Digital Imaging Technician: Stephen Fouasnon
• Makeup Artist: Courtney Matthews
• Second Assistant “A” Camera: Dan Marino
• Property Master: Emily Weston
• First Assistant Editor: Alexis Corrigan
• First Assistant “B” Camera: Beau Bonfe
• Steadicam Operator: Niels Lindelien

Movie Reviews:

• Louisa Moore – Screen Zealots: 2020 was a tough year and 2021 isn’t starting out much better, so it’s poor timing for a studio to release a tearjerker like “Our Friend.” Movies about terminal illness are never fun to watch, but this one is such a downer that it may serve as an unwanted depressant for even the most upbeat viewers.

  Based on an award-winning Esquire magazine article, the film tells the true story of journalist Matt Teague (Casey Affleck) and his actress wife Nicole (Dakota Johnson), who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Seeing his best friend coping with a dying wife and struggling to be a good father to his two young daughters (Violet McGraw, Isabella Kai), Dane (Jason Segel) puts his own life on hold and moves in with Matt and Nicole to support them through the roughest of times. It’s a true gesture of steadfast friendship, with Dane standing by the family until the end.

  If this sounds like a bittersweet heartwarming story of devotion, it (mostly) is. The story is told in non-linear segments that travel through time and give us a glimpse of how things developed and how they eventually ended. The most horrific parts of Teague’s article are omitted from the film, with director Gabriela Cowperthwaite choosing instead to go the inspirational route. The sugar-coating feels phony and insincere, and even with knockout performances from the three leads, it’s still a huge downer.

  It’s a given that Affleck is always powerful in roles like this, but Segel is the real surprise. He gives Dane a sadness and empathy that feels real and is unexpected for an actor who has never shown such depth. A brief supporting turn from Cherry Jones as a home hospice nurse is the most memorable performance, showing a beautiful (and realistic) sympathy towards her client.

  I suppose “Our Friend” would be a solid drama for those looking to empty an entire box of Kleenex, but it’s a tough sell in times like these. It’s a story of humanity and friendship that isn’t as uplifting as it sounds, but there’s still a glimmer of joy to be found.

  By: Louisa Moore