A beloved Oscar-nominated actress. A comedy icon. And a towering Great Dane named Bing- it is the trio that is grabbing everyone’s attention recently in 2025. Naomi Watts and Bill Murray have teamed up in a film that is already making noise at early screenings. But what exactly is it? And where can you actually watch it? With buzz building fast, here is how and where to watch this one-of-a-kind story unfold.

 There is a lot more than just star power here. A powerful story, a loyal dog, and one unforgettable bond are the centerpieces to this heartfelt new movie, and here is why it has got everyone talking. 

The Friend is now in US theaters nationwide after an exclusive New York release, and UK fans can catch it starting April 25, as listed by the British Board of Film Classification. So no, it is not on Netflix right now, and there is no official word on when it will be available at home. To see it on the big screen, head to the movie’s official site or Fandango to check local listings and buy tickets. Frequent moviegoer? Subscription perks from major theater chains in both the US and the UK might get you discounted or even free tickets.

To talk about the film. The Friend follows Iris, a writer whose quiet life is flipped upside down when she inherits a giant Great Dane named Apollo from her late best friend. Based on Sigrid Nunez’s bestselling novel, the movie stars Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and introduces Bing, the real-life Great Dane playing Apollo. Directed by Scott McGhee and David Siegel, the film premiered at several 2024 festivals and currently holds a sweet 86% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics showering it with praise already! 

While fans wait to catch The Friend in theaters, there is another reason this film is stealing hearts, and it is its furry four-legged co-star. Both Bill Murray and Naomi Watts had more than just acting to bond over on set of their new film, and it all started with a pair of soulful dog eyes.

Naomi Watts and Bill Murray do not just share the screen in The Friend—they also share the spotlight with an unexpectedly lovable co-star- Bing, a deeply soulful Great Dane. For lifelong dog lovers like Watts and Murray, that connection was not just cute—it was personal. Both actors reportedly have had dogs throughout their lives, making Bing’s role in the film all the more special.  

In a chat with PEOPLE, Murray also revealed he has not gotten a new dog since he lost one that he loved, and no other pet has so far filled that gap. Watts too speaking during a Dodo Dream Date with a rescue pup, explained that she has never been without a dog in her life. Their passion for dogs brought true warmth to the shooting process, adding an additional layer of credibility to the film's emotional heart.

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Are you excited to watch The Friend? Have a favorite Bill Murray moment—or a dog story of your own? Let us know in the comments below!