Fans of cinema will have a chance to see the upcoming film The Friend for free, as select subscribers can redeem one of ten double passes to attend a screening. Set to release on July 31, 2025, this film, based on the New York Times bestseller, features Academy Award® nominees Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, alongside a 150-pound Great Dane named Bing, who is making his big screen debut.
In The Friend, viewers follow the journey of Iris, a New York novelist and writing teacher. After the unexpected death of her closest friend and mentor, she becomes the caretaker of his literary legacy and his cherished Great Dane, Apollo. As Iris brings the enormous dog into her small Manhattan apartment, she unexpectedly forms a bond with him. The film explores themes of grief, acceptance, and healing as Iris navigates her professional commitments and personal life alongside Apollo.
How to Redeem Free Passes
The opportunity to secure one of the double passes is available to subscribers of the Sydney Morning Herald, Age, and Brisbane Times, as well as print subscribers with two or more days of home delivery. Interested participants must complete a form to redeem their passes. The first ten subscribers to successfully redeem their passes will receive an email confirmation detailing how to use their tickets. Those who are not selected will not receive any communication.
This offer is valid for screenings of The Friend at participating cinemas. The deadline to redeem these passes is August 14, 2025, at 23:59 (AEST) or until the allocation of ten double passes is exhausted. Each subscriber may only redeem the offer once, and it must be done online; it cannot be exchanged for cash.
Film Details and Cast
Directed by the filmmaking duo of Scott McGehee and David Siegel, The Friend boasts an impressive cast, including Sarah Pidgeon, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, Noma Dumezweni, Ann Dowd, Felix Solis, and Bing the Great Dane. The film has a runtime of 123 minutes, promising an engaging experience for audiences.
For those eager to learn more, the trailer for The Friend is available for viewing online, offering a glimpse into the emotional journey that Iris and Apollo embark on together. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for this heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and loss.
