The Accidental Tourist

Macon Leary (played by), a travel guide author specializing in practical advice for nervous business travelers, has been struggling to cope with the devastating loss of his 12-year-old son, Ethan. As he navigates the treacherous terrain of grief, Macon has been attempting to control his emotions and life through the very principles he espouses in his guides - a rigid adherence to routine and planning that is increasingly suffocating him.

The once-happy marriage to Sarah (not specified) is now on shaky ground, with her having moved out of their home into an apartment. Macon finds himself alone, except for Edward, their loyal family dog. This newfound solitude is filled with the echoes of his grief and the crushing weight of responsibility.

In this desolate landscape, Macon meets Muriel Pritchett (played by), a quirky animal hospital employee and dog trainer who has her own share of personal struggles with her sickly son, Alexander. As Macon hires Muriel to train Edward, he begins to open up to her counterintuitive charm, finding solace in her unorthodox approach to life. Over time, they form an unlikely bond, with Macon becoming a surrogate father figure to Alexander.

However, their budding relationship is not without its challenges. As Muriel's affection for Macon grows, she expects more emotional investment from him, which he is hesitant to provide. When Sarah's lease expires, she returns to their old home, extending an olive branch to Macon and suggesting they start anew. Despite his lingering feelings for Sarah, Macon must confront the possibility of rekindling their relationship and leaving Muriel behind.

As Macon travels to Paris for research, he is surprised by Muriel's sudden appearance on the same flight and in the same hotel he had recommended in one of his guides. She proposes they spend a carefree weekend together, as if on vacation. Macon insists he is there solely for business, though his concern for Alexander's well-being remains palpable. Despite this, he maintains a safe distance from Muriel, unsure how to reconcile his lingering feelings with the possibility of rekindling their relationship.

As Macon's Parisian sojourn comes to a close, Muriel makes a last-minute plea to accompany him on his final night, requesting no immediate response. Later that evening, Macon's nocturnal rumination is interrupted by an inexplicable phone malfunction, prompting him to rise and attempt to troubleshoot the issue. In the process, he injures himself, forcing him to take to his bed. Muriel's knock at the door rouses him just as she assumes he has already departed, leaving her none the wiser.

As Macon struggles to muster the strength to visit the front desk, he phones his publisher with an update on his back pain, which prompts Sarah to arrive in Paris bearing pain medication, courtesy of Rose. With Muriel's presence still resonating in his mind, Sarah proposes a day-trip itinerary for their time together, suggesting they reschedule their flight and transform their trip into a second honeymoon. Macon hesitantly agrees, though Sarah can't help but probe him about his lingering feelings for Muriel, asking pointedly, "Was it the boy?" Despite their efforts to revive their marriage, Macon begins to grasp that their relationship has stagnated without the presence of their son.

The next morning dawns with Macon dressing quietly while Sarah sleeps, before gently rousing her with the news that he intends to rekindle his connection with Muriel. He confesses that he needs someone who can help him break free from his grief and funk. As he departs for the taxi stand, Macon inadvertently leaves behind his signature bag, a symbol of his old life.

As he struggles to navigate the streets, a young boy – eerily reminiscent of Ethan – intervenes, allowing Macon to catch up with the taxi. This chance encounter serves as a poignant metaphor for Macon's transition into a new chapter of his life and family. The boy opens the door, wishes him well on his journey, and disappears into the Parisian crowd.

Meanwhile, Muriel is oblivious to Macon's impending arrival until she spots him flagging down a taxi alongside her own ride. A warm smile spreads across her face as Macon returns the sentiment, marking the beginning of their new journey together.