Bill Murray, one of Hollywood’s most cherished actors, has a new film now available on streaming platforms that marks a significant high point in his recent career. The actor, whose best-loved movies often come from decades past and a celebrated stint on Saturday Night Live, appears to have recaptured critical acclaim with this latest release.
In recent years, Murray’s roles in franchise films and supporting appearances have not garnered much praise. For example, the 2024 sequel Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and his part in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania were met with lukewarm reviews. Even his collaborations with director Wes Anderson, including The Phoenician Scheme and The French Dispatch, have received muted responses compared to earlier Anderson hits.
The Friend: A Standout Performance Garnering Strong Critical Praise
The Friend, featuring Bill Murray alongside Naomi Watts, is now streaming on Paramount+ and offers the actor his highest Rotten Tomatoes rating in five years. With an 83% score from critics and an 80% audience rating, this film has been widely praised for its heartfelt performances and thoughtful storytelling.
In this drama, Watts portrays Iris, a writer and teacher living in New York City, who shares a profound friendship with Murray’s character, Walter. After Walter’s death, Iris inherits his large Great Dane, Apollo. The film delicately explores themes of loss, memory, and the enduring impact of human connections.
Directed by Scott McGhee and David Siegel, The Friend uses an intimate and understated approach that closely entwines Iris’ emotional journey with the familiar backdrop of New York’s streets. The evolving relationship between Iris and Apollo adds depth and poignancy to the narrative.
Comparing Murray’s Recent Works and The Friend’s Unique Strength
Looking at Bill Murray‘s recent filmography clarifies The Friend’s significance. Previous projects like Riff Raff and the Marvel movie Quantumania did not fully harness Murray’s unique charm. In contrast, The Friend quickly establishes his presence as warm and captivating, setting the emotional tone early on.
Though Murray’s career spans many decades and includes a variety of roles, this film offers a rare opportunity for him to shine prominently on screen—something critics and fans alike have noted hasn’t been seen since his 2020 film On the Rocks.
With supporting roles often limiting his screen time, The Friend gives Murray an opportunity to connect with the audience through a nuanced, heartfelt performance, reinforcing his status as a cherished figure in Hollywood.
Strong Cast and Emotional Depth Elevate The Friend
The film’s cast is led by Naomi Watts as Iris and Bill Murray as Walter. Their performances drive the story’s emotional core, as their characters’ friendship endures even after Walter‘s passing. Apollo, the Great Dane left to Iris, symbolizes the continuing bond and offers moments of touching complexity throughout the film.
Why The Friend Matters for Bill Murray’s Career and Viewers
For Bill Murray, The Friend is a welcome resurgence that highlights his strengths as an actor capable of delivering both charm and profound emotion. Given the mixed reception of recent films he’s been part of, this new release stands as an important reminder of his talent and ability to engage deeply with audiences.
As The Friend is now available on streaming platforms, it presents an accessible opportunity for fans and newcomers to experience one of Murray’s best performances in years, potentially influencing his future roles and revitalizing interest in his career.
