Naomi Watts inherits Bill Murray's Great Dane after his tragic death
- Naomi Watts plays Iris, a writing teacher in New York dealing with the loss of her friend and mentor, Walter.
- Walter's wish was for Iris to inherit his Great Dane, Apollo, which complicates her life due to apartment restrictions.
- The film explores themes of grief and connection, ultimately celebrating the bond between humans and animals.
In a poignant tale set in New York City, Naomi Watts portrays Iris, a college writing teacher grappling with the recent suicide of her mentor, Walter, played by Bill Murray. Walter's death leaves her not just heartbroken but also burdened with an unexpected responsibility — inheriting his great dane, Apollo. Although Iris is not a dog person and lives in a rent-controlled apartment with a strict no-pets policy, she feels compelled to care for Apollo. Despite her reluctance, this situation pushes her into a journey of grief, finding solace in the companionship of Apollo. The absence of Walter forces Iris to reflect on her relationship with him, which was more profound than she had realized, leading her to confront her own life choices and the identity crisis triggered by Walter’s tragic departure. As the story unfolds, it explores the complexities of grief, friendship, and the intertwined lives of humans and their pets. At its core, this film, adapted from Sigrid Nunez's acclaimed novel, pays homage to the emotional connections we form and how they help us navigate through our sorrows and fears. It highlights that life goes on, even amidst heartbreak, and can lead to unexpected yet meaningful bonds formed in the wake of loss.