This film follows the journey of a character named Don Johnston, who suddenly is forced to reflect on who he may have had a son with years ago. You learn in the beginning of the movie that he's obviously a bit of a loner, and a bachelor. The first shots of him in his house show a random woman deciding to leave him. He doesn't do much to stop her. As the first act progresses you meet his close friend, Winston, played by Jeffrey Wright (you may remember him from the most recent James Bond films, playing Felix Leiter) who examines the pink envelope and letter Don receives from a nameless ex-girlfriend, claiming they had a son together who may be looking for him. From there he tries to plan the best plan of attack for Don to re-visit five ex-girlfriends to see which may have been the mother of his son.
This film is absolutely a character driven piece that examines the journey an emotionless character like Don takes as he tries to find the meaning of why he was sent that letter. By the time you reach the films conclusion you'll either throw something at the TV or you'll be content with the ending. (Which I'm not going to spoil for all of you who must be dying to see this film!) Either way I feel it's an excellent performance by Bill Murray, along with solid performances from Jeffrey Wright and the rest of the cast. Bottom line, if you enjoyed Murray in the 2003 film Lost in Translation, your going to enjoy this film. If not, don't even waste your time. This isn't the Bill Murray of the 80s or 90s, rather it's his best version of a serious actor. I think he's wonderful in his subtlety and mannerisms, but I realize that many mainstream viewers may not be able to stomach that kind of performance.
Lastly, the soundtrack suits the films tone marvelously, and it's well-shot throughout the different locations Murray's character travels to in the story. If your looking for a bit of an escape, check this film out! Nuff said.
