[SXSW 2024] MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE -- A Complex Dramedy about PTSD

Review by Jonathan Berk

Director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes's film My Dead Friend Zoe manages to tell a story about PTSD that is funnier than it is sad without diminishing the seriousness of the topic. The relationship between the lead characters serves as both the story's center and its comedic tone. Hausmann-Stokes manages to bring awareness to a topic that hits close to home in a way that audiences can engage with on very relatable human terms. 

Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green) has served eight years in the Army and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2016. While there, she becomes best friends with Zoe (Natalie Morales). Now, back home, she is under court order to go to weekly group sessions to deal with PTSD, but Zoe just won't take it seriously — even though she is dead. It's not Zoe's ghost that haunts Merit, but rather a lively manifestation of her guilt. 

If the story only revolved around Morales and Martin-Green's relationship and past — which it cuts between the two in Afghanistan and modern-day memory form — the film would still be impactful, though tighter. Ed Harris plays Merit's grandfather, who is also an Army vet experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer's. There are parallels to be made, but it becomes one of three additional storylines… one involving Morgan Freeman and another Utkarsh Ambudkar, who are both good. However, Merit is ultimately at the center of these, which results in elements of the story feeling underdeveloped. 

Morales is the comedic mastermind in the film. She gets to be witty and sarcastic frequently for just us and Merit. It's a very natural comedic performance reminiscent of the banter best friends would have. Martin-Green has to carry the subject's weight and is more than up for the task. Her performance requires far more range, as her character juggles too much internally; however, she still feels obligated to project strength to anyone she interacts with. Both performances are a true triumph, and they make the movie work. 

Hausmann-Stokes is working in a genre that has many films. Movies about soldiers and their life after service are common. A personal touch really helps this film stand out amongst the others in the genre. It's unique enough while still feeling familiar, and that mix helps make it such an impressive debut. Based on a quote from the director in a Variety interview, the subject matter attracted Travis Kelce to be an executive producer. 

My Dead Friend Zoe has a unique tone, genuinely likable and relatable characters, and a powerful message. Hausmann-Stokes demonstrates a knack for visual storytelling — especially for a feature film debut. It's a film that will leave audiences with damp cheeks widened by smiles. 

My Dead Friend Zoe is screening at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, which runs March 8-16 in Austin, TX.

Rating: 3.5/5