Occasionally, a film inspires hope and reminds us of humanity’s tenacity. That film is My Dead Friend Zoe, a poignant look at grief and strength. Coupled with its semiautobiographical nature, this is already the making of one of the year’s best films. Never preaching but grounded in fundamental earnestness, the movie provides a catharsis for post-war experiences and veterans across generations.
The movie centers on Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), a former US Army Afghanistan veteran. She finds herself at odds with her family and without purpose. Couple with the fact she is haunted by her dead best friend from the army, Zoe (Natalie Morales). Merit is racked with survivor’s guilt and post-traumatic stress. Working with her VA group counselor (Morgan Freeman), Merit tries to find her footing and create a sense of purpose. Seemingly content to isolate in her sorrow, everything changes when her estranged grandfather (Ed Harris) becomes holed up in the family lake house. This forces Merit to confront her indifference and process her grief.
The movie deftly infuses comedy for levity in what could be a heavy film dealing with the complexities of guilt and trauma. This allows for a general catharsis as the audience experiences Merit’s journey. Zoe is a constant presence in Merit’s life, and her presence almost gives this story a buddy-film feel. Despite the fact that Zoe is dead, her presence brings a sense of frivolity and fun. Her presence is particularly apt when Merit is trying to reconcile with her trauma.
Both Zoe and Merit hail from different sides of the track but yet forge a bond while serving in Afghanistan. Their friendship is the backbone of the film, and both Morales and Martin-Green are incredible. Humorous when the moment calls, poignant at the sensitive topics. The audience will endear themselves to both actors. It never feels like we are watching two actors play a scene; instead, we are watching them embody these characters’ lives and spirits.
Here is where director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, a former US Army infantry paratrooper and Iraq War Bronze Star veteran, can enhance the film. He infuses it with his own experiences and stories. My Dead Friend Zoe is more than a movie; it is a personal essay of sorts, allowing him to tell a story stemming from the Middle East Wars and the treatment and care for veterans — of all wars.
The movie processes themes of survivor’s guilt, loss, and veterans’ experiences. The movie goes out of its way to avoid lecturing to the audience but instead takes us on the journey of these characters. It is as much a coming-of-age story as a story of humanity’s spirit. There is an internal optimism in the film and all of the character’s DNA. As Merit goes to see her grandfather and bring him home, these two polar opposite heads discover they need the same thing: help.
Ed Harris gives one of his finest performances as a cantankerous grandfather suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer’s. A former military man himself, he discovers a kindred spirit in Merit. As for Merit, she reconnects with her family through her grandfather, in addition to processing her own war experiences. Bold yet reflective. These moments are some of the film’s shining exchanges.
In addition, Morgan Freeman is always a welcome player in any film. While his role is not as intricate as the dynamic between Harris and Martin-Green, he injects dry humor. He also adds indelible pathos when the moment calls, which only strengthens the movie’s case.
Humor is a deft way to deal with PTSD, complex family issues, and personal trauma. The movie allows us to laugh with the characters and process their situations. And yet, the film acknowledges there is a long road ahead—a road that is far from straight and narrow but one with many bends and turns.
There is an effort to put aside all the humor and family drama in the story; the movie makes the audience think about the complicated tenor of life before and after service. The film is optimistic, but it does not offer rose-colored glasses. Service men and women, their families, and veterans need a system that supports them during duty and, more importantly, is there for them when they come home.
My Dead Friend Zoe will debut exclusively in theaters on February 28, 2025, courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment.
There is an effort to put aside all the humor and family drama in the story; the movie makes the audience think about the complicated tenor of life before and after service. The film is optimistic, but it does not offer rose-colored glasses. Service men and women, their families, and veterans need a system that supports them during duty and, more importantly, is there for them when they come home.
-
GVN Rating
Writing & podcasting, for the love of movies.
His Letterboxd Favorites: The Dark Knight, Halloween, Jaws & Anora.
