Directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes and co-written by Cherish Chen and A.J. Bermudez, My Dead Friend Zoe is a genre-defying film that intertwines dark humor, familial tension, and the scars of war. Starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, and Ed Harris, this $18 million drama follows an Afghanistan War veteran grappling with grief, guilt, and an unlikely bond with her deceased best friend. Premiering in U.S. theaters on February 28, 2025, the movie explores the invisible wounds of service through a story that’s equal parts heartfelt and haunting.
My Dead Friend Zoe juxtaposes the absurdity of life and loss against the backdrop of a family’s ancestral lake house, where past and present collide. With Morgan Freeman in a pivotal supporting role, the film balances sharp wit with raw emotion, offering a fresh perspective on intergenerational trauma and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Plot: Ghosts of War and Family
Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), an Afghanistan War veteran, struggles to reintegrate into civilian life while maintaining a surreal relationship with her dead best friend and fellow soldier, Zoe (Natalie Morales). Their bond blurs the lines between reality and delusion, offering Merit solace and chaos in equal measure. When she returns to her family’s lakeside retreat, she clashes with her Vietnam vet grandfather, Dale (Ed Harris), whose own wartime demons resurface.
As Merit confronts Dale’s stubbornness and her fractured sense of self, the film unravels a darkly comedic yet deeply moving exploration of legacy, survival, and the ghosts—both literal and figurative—that bind them.
Meet the Cast
- Sonequa Martin-Green as Merit, a veteran haunted by loss and duty.
- Natalie Morales as Zoe, Merit’s wisecracking, spectral confidante.
- Ed Harris as Dale, Merit’s hardened Vietnam vet grandfather.
- Morgan Freeman as Dr. Cole, a therapist guiding Merit through her trauma.
- Gloria Reuben as Kris, Merit’s pragmatic sister.
- Utkarsh Ambudkar as Alex, a voice of levity in Merit’s turbulent world.
Supporting roles include Assia Lau’ren, Thom Tran, and a ensemble of veterans and soldiers, adding authenticity to the film’s portrayal of military life.
Key Details
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, War
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Release Date: February 28, 2025 (U.S. Theaters)
- Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Budget: $18 million (estimated)
- Box Office: To be announced
- Also Known As: My Dead Friend Zoe Movie
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I watch My Dead Friend Zoe?
The film premieres in U.S. theaters on February 28, 2025. Streaming details are unconfirmed.
2. Is this based on a true story?
While inspired by real veterans’ experiences, the story is fictional.
3. Is there a trailer?
The trailer is expected to release in late 2024.
4. Will the film release internationally?
Yes, but dates and platforms will be announced later.
5. What themes does the movie explore?
Mental health, generational trauma, and the surreal coping mechanisms of grief.
6. How does the film balance comedy and drama?
Through sharp dialogue, absurdist humor, and poignant moments of vulnerability.
Why You Should Watch
My Dead Friend Zoe is a daring mix of levity and gravity, anchored by Sonequa Martin-Green’s powerhouse performance and Ed Harris’s gruff yet tender turn as a man confronting his past. Director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, an Army veteran himself, infuses the story with authenticity, tackling PTSD and familial bonds without cliché. Fans of The Messenger or Thank You for Your Service will appreciate its unflinching yet hopeful tone.
Mark Your Calendars
Don’t miss My Dead Friend Zoe in theaters on February 28, 2025. A story of war, memory, and the messy beauty of healing, this film is a tribute to those who carry the unseen battles home.
