MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE at Woodstock Film Festival

by Jackie Hanzl, MADE with Jackie Hanzl

My Dead Friend Zoe is a dark comedy/drama written by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes & directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, AJ Bermudez, and Cherish Chen. US Army Veteran, Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green) is grieving the loss of her friend, Zoe (Natalie Morales) during her military discharge from Afghanistan. However, in Merit’s mind, Zoe hasn’t left her side.

Although Merit is court ordered to attend group therapy led by Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman), she’s not an active participant. At the same time, her grandfather, Dale (Ed Harris), a Vietnam Vet, and the reason she joined the army, is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Merit struggles with the grief of losing her friend and the slow decline of her grandfather.

The actors’ performances are phenomenal. I was crying throughout the entire movie and even while the credits rolled. The music is fantastic. Sonequa is magnetic and mesmerizing, I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. Natalie portrays Zoe with a snarky, feisty exterior, protecting her internal emotional wounds. You can’t help but get drawn into this story with all of your heart.

This film highlights the everyday struggles of veterans, the harm in keeping too much inside, and the necessity of communication in order to heal oneself. My Dead Friend Zoe is not to be missed and is coming to theaters nationwide February 28, 2025.

Originally published at http://behindtherabbitproductions.wordpress.com on October 29, 2024.