My Friend Peter

A bit of a loner in a (seemingly) cold world, Gerald has one best friend and companion--his monkey puppet, Peter.  Peter has everything that Gerald lacks--charisma, a sense of humor, the ability to talk to anyone about anything.  And yet, far from impressing Gerald, the monkey puppet's efforts to connect with strangers terrify him.  Initially hesitant to bring Peter into the world outside his apartment, a therapist encourages Gerald to do so, and he decides to take the monkey puppet to work (an Italian restaurant where Gerald is the number-one wine seller).  After scolding Peter multiple times for his gregariousness, Gerald finally challenges him to take a table all by himself.  Peter, of course, outshines Gerald once again--selling a $350 bottle of wine and proving that people 'really do long for connection.'