My Dead Friend Zoe

It's 2016 Afghanistan. Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green) and Zoe (Natalie Morales) are best friends in the Army. Some years later, Merit is in court-mandated group therapy headed by Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman). She is talking to her dead friend Zoe. Her grandfather Dale (Ed Harris) has wandered away from home due to his early Alzheimer's.

This is inspired by a true story and probably speaks to a lot of military people's personal experiences. It also has some great actors here. As a story, it needs a destination. It needs a definite goal for Merit. There could have been a couple of possibilities. This could be a road trip where Merit tracks down her grandfather and she has to bring him home. Along the way, the car could break down. They could pick up a military hitchhiker. The movie is a bit aimless. Maybe that fits for someone suffering PTSD.

The positive reviews and the unique general concept intrigued me enough to convince me to see "My Dead Friend Zoe." What could go wrong with a dramedy about a war veteran who sees her dead army friend? I knew nothing would go wrong, but I'm surprised it's way more complex, thought-provoking, emotionally moving, and mesmerizing.

First, the performances were incredible. Legends Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris were almost guaranteed to deliver, but the central duo - Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales as Merit and the titular Zoe - bring outstanding work. Merit is a tragic figure attempting to move on with her life post-war, which is uprooted by the simple fact that she sees the movie's namesake. Who I expected to be a hilarious character was to an extent, but Zoe's more than just that. That said, Morales outshines Martin-Green by being incredibly entertaining.

Next, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes does fantastic work directing- and script-wise alongside A. J. Bermudez and Cherish Chen. Their work makes the narrative much more simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking than it had any right to be, and it's more the latter. They didn't mess around in developing the seemingly silly premise into a strong piece that covers topics like PTSD. Even Zoe's inclusion and ensuing backstory are more shocking than I ever anticipated. I can't spoil it, as not knowing it beforehand will enhance the gut punch hinted at throughout the film.

Though it inarguably is a dramedy, it's more of a drama than a comedy. Admittedly, there are many solid jokes, mainly from Zoe, but the drama makes this movie what it is. Completely leaning into the comedic qualities would've lessened its overall impact.

Finally, the 1-hour and 43-minute runtime never wastes or bores. Every moment enriches the already rich narrative and its effect on others, which I appreciate immensely.

"My Dead Friend Zoe" should've made the Top 10 during its opening weekend because it deserved it. It's worthy of your attention for its uniqueness alone, but its unanticipated direction will grip you.

Technically, the acting, directing, and screenplay make for a 10/10 technical score.

For the enjoyment score, I loved it! It's far from an easy watch, but it's worth it for its authentic heart and earnest depiction of PTSD. As a bonus, Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales are so exceptional as Merit and Zoe that they make this a must-watch alone. For those reasons, "My Dead Friend Zoe" gets a 10/10 enjoyment score! Please check this gem out in theaters!

I had an idea on what the story was about, but it threw a couple curve balls at me. The fight at home is sometimes worse than the fight in the war. We had an epidemic, and I'm happy to hear that it's been finally slowing down a bit since 2019. My heart goes to all those who are effected, no matter at what level. I hope better programs are put into place going forward. We shouldn't be sending them out, just to bring them back and let them suffer alone. We have a duty to them, as they served a duty to all of us. I think that's one thing a lot of us can unite on. Truly a great story with a powerful message. The movie can be a little slow at times, so that's where my 7 comes in, but its still one I'd tell the right people to go and see.

Saw at AMC on 3-5-2025 with Nicole.

These are the kind of thoughtful movies that are now shoved aside by blockbuster franchises and empty tripe like Mickey 17. Sonequa Martin- Green is an Army veteran still speaking to her dead friend Natalie Morales for unspecified reasons while dealing with the early onset Alzheimer's of her grandfather (Ed Harris). The film meanders, and a possible romance with a jovial nursing home worker doesn't really amount to anything, but the film has important things to say about issues plaguing our country's veterans, and with Trump trying to erase all evidence of women in uniform, Green appearing in khakis is a powerful statement unto itself. A movie that will stay with you.

Soooo...I went to see this film at AMC's Scream Unseen, which is exclusively for horror flicks. So that was upsetting, this home is absolutely not horror in any way shape or form. Secondly, since it was an early release the director begins the film with telling you about his newest dark comedy. This is assuredly not a dark comedy or even funny at any point. With that out of the way, this is a film about and for veterans and addressing the higher suicide rate of those who have served our country. Of course this is an important topic and I appreciate the directors and writers who made the film. Unfortunately there isn't much here till about 70 minutes into the film. More of a slice of life that happens to have veterans in the film. I would wait to stream this film. Not really worth a romp to the theatre.