The Friend, a comedy-drama adapted from a bestselling novel, explores themes of loss and companionship through the story of a woman inheriting a Great Dane. Starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, the film has received a Metascore of 70 and several award nominations. Viewers can find streaming and viewing options on TV Guide.
The Friend is a 1 hour 59 minute comedy-drama film with a Metascore of 70. Adapted from a bestselling novel, it follows Iris, played by Naomi Watts, whose stable life in New York is disrupted when her friend and mentor Walter, portrayed by Bill Murray, leaves her his Great Dane, Apollo, upon his passing. The dog serves as a persistent reminder of Walter, leading to various challenges for Iris, but ultimately helps her connect with her past, grieve her lost friend, and rediscover her creative side as she bonds with the animal.
The cast and crew details are available on TV Guide, along with trailers such as the UK Trailer 1, which runs 2:23 minutes. The film has garnered recognition in awards circuits. In 2025, it won the BIFF Award for Best Performance. It was nominated for the Sierra Award for Best Animal Performance in 2025, the NJFCC Award for Best Animal in a Movie in 2025, and the HFCS Award for Best Animal Performance in 2026.
TV Guide provides options for streaming The Friend, including cast information and related videos. The platform also features sections for TV listings and overviews to help users locate the movie. Surrounding content on the site includes recommendations for similar films and updates on new releases, such as Paramount+ additions in August 2025.
