My Dead Friend Zoe

Yes it is a movie about veterans but it is not just about that, for me till the first half it was like omg not this same old story again specially I was watching the movie in a film festival but secondly half movie started to reveal more details and it was ooohhh thats different and nice, director made an amazing job you will feel his touches in a lot of things. Big shout out for Natalie Morales amazing acting, I loved every scene she was in. I would have loved if the movie main characters was males just because of the stereotype of men should be strong and control feelings bla bla bla which lead eventually men not revealing there emotions, but director had a fair point of why main characters were women.

The positive reviews and the unique general concept intrigued me enough to convince me to see "My Dead Friend Zoe." What could go wrong with a dramedy about a war veteran who sees her dead army friend? I knew nothing would go wrong, but I'm surprised it's way more complex, thought-provoking, emotionally moving, and mesmerizing.

First, the performances were incredible. Legends Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris were almost guaranteed to deliver, but the central duo - Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales as Merit and the titular Zoe - bring outstanding work. Merit is a tragic figure attempting to move on with her life post-war, which is uprooted by the simple fact that she sees the movie's namesake. Who I expected to be a hilarious character was to an extent, but Zoe's more than just that. That said, Morales outshines Martin-Green by being incredibly entertaining.

Next, Kyle Hausmann-Stokes does fantastic work directing- and script-wise alongside A. J. Bermudez and Cherish Chen. Their work makes the narrative much more simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking than it had any right to be, and it's more the latter. They didn't mess around in developing the seemingly silly premise into a strong piece that covers topics like PTSD. Even Zoe's inclusion and ensuing backstory are more shocking than I ever anticipated. I can't spoil it, as not knowing it beforehand will enhance the gut punch hinted at throughout the film.

Though it inarguably is a dramedy, it's more of a drama than a comedy. Admittedly, there are many solid jokes, mainly from Zoe, but the drama makes this movie what it is. Completely leaning into the comedic qualities would've lessened its overall impact.

Finally, the 1-hour and 43-minute runtime never wastes or bores. Every moment enriches the already rich narrative and its effect on others, which I appreciate immensely.

"My Dead Friend Zoe" should've made the Top 10 during its opening weekend because it deserved it. It's worthy of your attention for its uniqueness alone, but its unanticipated direction will grip you.

Technically, the acting, directing, and screenplay make for a 10/10 technical score.

For the enjoyment score, I loved it! It's far from an easy watch, but it's worth it for its authentic heart and earnest depiction of PTSD. As a bonus, Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales are so exceptional as Merit and Zoe that they make this a must-watch alone. For those reasons, "My Dead Friend Zoe" gets a 10/10 enjoyment score! Please check this gem out in theaters!

Giving eight out of ten might seem like I did not enjoy the film that much, but that is far from true: for me it is actually a really, really high rating (I am a very picky movie watcher)! I watched the film at the TFF in Turin a few days ago, and I was quite happy the director was there to tell us the story behind the film, the reason why he chose two female actresses (fair point, by the way), etc. I guess he put his heart and soul into it, and it shows. It is a very honest film about PTSD, which got me thinking and made me both laugh and cry, which not many movies manage to do. It is the best I have seen so far at this year's TFF. The acting is also great, I loved the two main characters.

These are the kind of thoughtful movies that are now shoved aside by blockbuster franchises and empty tripe like Mickey 17. Sonequa Martin- Green is an Army veteran still speaking to her dead friend Natalie Morales for unspecified reasons while dealing with the early onset Alzheimer's of her grandfather (Ed Harris). The film meanders, and a possible romance with a jovial nursing home worker doesn't really amount to anything, but the film has important things to say about issues plaguing our country's veterans, and with Trump trying to erase all evidence of women in uniform, Green appearing in khakis is a powerful statement unto itself. A movie that will stay with you.

Soooo...I went to see this film at AMC's Scream Unseen, which is exclusively for horror flicks. So that was upsetting, this home is absolutely not horror in any way shape or form. Secondly, since it was an early release the director begins the film with telling you about his newest dark comedy. This is assuredly not a dark comedy or even funny at any point. With that out of the way, this is a film about and for veterans and addressing the higher suicide rate of those who have served our country. Of course this is an important topic and I appreciate the directors and writers who made the film. Unfortunately there isn't much here till about 70 minutes into the film. More of a slice of life that happens to have veterans in the film. I would wait to stream this film. Not really worth a romp to the theatre.