Taking a page from ghost movies past, My Dead Friend Zoe follows Merit as she struggles to move on from the death of her closest friend in the army. We’re given hints, but the true cause of Zoe’s death isn’t revealed till the end. In the meantime, we see Merit struggle with guilt, grief, and the inevitable trauma that comes with being a soldier. Many films have trodden this path, but My Dead Friend Zoe navigates it with an empathy and delicacy that feels rare in films about PTSD. The film’s heart is its biggest strength, followed by an effortlessly gripping Ed Harris, who plays Merit’s grandfather. Unfortunately, it tends to deflate when it tries to convince us that Merit and Zoe are as close as they are; they are missing the essential chemistry that friends share. Whether that’s due to the acting or to director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes’ failure to comprehend the intricacies of female friendship is beyond me. What I do know is that their bond could’ve been more convincing, which in turn could’ve made the film gel better. As it stands, My Dead Friend Zoe is still a worthwhile watch, primarily thanks to select great performances and the heartwarming kindness it shows to veterans.
"A visceral look at the veteran experience and the kinds of loss we can’t easily describe or process, and the isolation that comes with that."
— Proma Khosla
"This is a persuasive piece of advocacy filmmaking, tucked inside a playful and profane comedy about female friendship. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry."
— Christy Lemire
Merit, a U.S. Army veteran suffering from PTSD, is repeatedly tortured by visions of her deceased friend and company buddy Zoe. After her Afghanistan service in 2016, she attends group therapy until Dale, her grandfather and former Lieutenant Colonel, is recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Merit steps up to his aide, and discovers more about herself and her family, while also gaining the courage to put her metaphorical demons to rest.
Merit struggles to live normally after leaving the army, especially since she can’t stop seeing her dead friend Zoe everywhere. Failing to open up in therapy, she spends more time with her grandfather, who also served in the military.
The plot twist is commendable and truly surprising.
There are plenty of films about the military out there, but this deserves a watch for its delicacy and empathy.
