My Dead Friend Zoe Review: Thoughtful PTSD Military Story
Theatrical Movie Review - Drama/War
PTSD rates among veterans are nearly twice that of the general population. And that only includes those who are diagnosed. A shocking 87% of veterans have experienced a traumatic event during their service. Writer and director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes addresses this problem in his new film, My Dead Friend Zoe, now in theaters.
When Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green) returns home from Afghanistan, she is haunted by the ghost of Zoe (Natalie Morales), her best friend from the Army. She attends group therapy led by Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman), who encourages Merit to deal with her trauma before it starts ruining more of her life, but she feels as though that shows weakness that she is unwilling to address. Instead, she goes to spend time with her grandfather, Dale (Ed Harris). He is also an Army vet, and he is now dealing with memory problems. Merit tries to go about her life, but every time she starts to feel normal, Zoe returns, making it impossible for her to move on.
Talking about post-traumatic stress as it relates to veterans is a tough topic, and My Dead Friend Zoe tackles it in a thoughtful and honest way. Hausmann-Stokes is himself a veteran who lost friends, and it was important to him to tell this story to bring attention to the ways that combat changes those who serve.
What is most impressive about this film is the way it leads to the cause of Zoe’s death. The unfolding of that part of Merit’s trauma is told in a way that allows the impact to be powerful without diminishing the pain that Merit feels. And while the flashbacks are often jarring in the context of the film, they feel truly authentic to the story and the experience of those dealing with PTSD.
The film also works because of the sincerity of the performances. The friendship that we see between Martin-Green and Morales is beautifully acted and completely believable, even when we see them fighting. Harris gives a great turn as a man who understands the unique rigors of war while also scoffing at the idea of any kind of therapy. Freeman is fantastic as the therapist who knows what is needed and who also won’t push.
But truly, it is Martin-Green’s performance as Merit that gives My Dead Friend Zoe heart. She strikes a powerful balance of someone who recognizes that they need help, but who also knows that receiving that help will require vulnerability that she feels unwilling or unable to access. Her struggle is felt deeply and authentically.
There is no question that the trauma associated with military combat is unique and likely only fully understood by those who have experienced it. No movie can change that. But My Dead Friend Zoe is a reminder for both those who have not served and those who have, that those wounds don’t heal without putting in the work. And that work is just as honorable as anything else you can do.
This review originally appeared in The Dominion Post on March 2, 2025.