Dear Zoe is a poignant coming-of-age drama that explores grief, guilt, and emotional healing through the eyes of a teenage girl. Based on the novel by Philip Beard, the film centers on Tess DeNunzio (Sadie Sink), a 16-year-old grappling with the tragic death of her younger sister, Zoe, who was killed in a hit-and-run accident on the same day as the September 11 attacks.
Consumed by guilt and resentment, Tess feels emotionally abandoned by her mother and stepfather, who seem unable to confront the trauma directly. Seeking escape, Tess runs away to live with her estranged biological father, Nick (Theo Rossi), a small-time marijuana dealer with a complicated past. Though he's far from a model parent, Nick offers Tess an unconventional kind of comfort-one rooted in honesty and shared pain.
As Tess adjusts to her new environment, she forms a connection with a quiet, artistic neighbor named Jimmy (Kweku Collins), who encourages her to confront her grief and embrace vulnerability. Through their growing relationship, Tess slowly begins to find her voice and reframe her understanding of love and loss.
The film is driven by Sadie Sink's raw and empathetic performance, capturing Tess's inner turmoil and search for meaning. Dear Zoe does not dwell on melodrama; instead, it offers a grounded and intimate portrait of a teenager navigating the emotional aftermath of tragedy. It also underscores the different ways people process grief-some with silence, some with anger, and some by running away.
Ultimately, Dear Zoe is a meditation on healing, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of family, reminding viewers that even in moments of deep sorrow, there is still room for growth, connection, and hope. Quiet yet powerful, the film resonates with emotional authenticity.
Review written by artist jayakumar jrain.
