
Kyle Hausmann-Stokes’ My Dead Friend Zoe is a powerful and emotional film that cleverly mixes strained family dynamics, grief, and the lasting impact of military service. The story centers on Sonequa Martin-Green’s character, a veteran dealing with PTSD, as she struggles with an aging grandfather and the haunting presence of her best friend, Zoe (Natalie Morales), who passed away under tragic, but mysterious circumstances. The film looks at the psychological wounds that come not from the battlefield, but from life after war.
The film's editing does a great job of keeping the mystery of Zoe’s death intriguing until the end. Her chemistry with Morales is both charming and heartbreaking. Zoe is a complex character showing the struggle some servicemen experience when confronted with life after serving.
With strong supporting roles from Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman, the film feels grounded and real. But the real magic comes from Hausmann-Stokes' personal touch—using real-life veterans as extras gives My Dead Friend Zoe an authentic and lived-in feel. The film draws from his own experiences of losing fellow soldiers to suicide, and that genuine pain is felt throughout, making the message even more impactful.
This film doesn’t just explore PTSD—it faces it head-on, with honesty and empathy. By the end, My Dead Friend Zoe isn’t just about grief; it’s a powerful reminder to understand the burdens veterans carry, even when not on the battlefield.
3.5/5
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