My Dead Friend Zoe: Release date, plot, cast and more about the upcoming war comedy-drama film

Kyle Hausmann-Stokes's My Dead Friend Zoe is an upcoming war comedy-drama film that also marks the first feature film of Hausmann-Stokes. The film is based on Merit x Zoe, a short film by the director himself. My Dead Friend Zoe has also won the SXSW Film and TV Festival Audience Award.

Starring Sonequa Martin-Green, from the Star Trek: Discovery, and The Walking Dead fame, joins in a lead role along with Natalie Morales. My Dead Friend Zoe explores the complex relationship between an army veteran Merit and her deceased best friend Zoe. We shall witness its theatrical release on 28th February 2025.

When will My Dead Friend Zoe be released?

The movie is set to release in the United States on 28th February 2025. Initially, it was scheduled to be released on 1st November. Distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment, My Dead Friend Zoe is produced by Legion M along with Radiant Media Studios.

Director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, along with A.J.Bermudez, also joins in the writing of the film as well. Hausmann-Stokes, who himself is a US Army veteran, comes up with a story that serves as an honor to every army veteran, whilst exploring the events following the aftermath of war.

My Dead Friend Zoe has received a warm, favorable response from the critics. According to Valerie Complex from Deadline, states in her review of My Dead Friend:

“A powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the imperative to provide better support for our veterans…a film that challenges its audience to reflect on the collective responsibility to ensure their well-being long after their service has ended.”

My Dead Friend Zoe has also received a massive 100% score on The Rotten Tomatoes, along with the Hollywood Outsider giving it a 9.5 score.

What is My Dead Friend Zoe all about?

A still from My Dead Friend Zoe, featuring Sonequa Martin-Green as Merit and Natalie Morales as Zoe | Image via Briarcliff Entertainment

My Dead Friend Zoe follows the plot of a US Army veteran Merit, who had served in Afghanistan and is experiencing conflicts with her family members due to the existence of her best friend Zoe from the Army, who has actually passed away. Merit seeks comfort in her friendship with Zoe, which shelters her from facing the outside world- which includes group therapy sessions, a disciplined mother's love, or the arrival of an unforeseen lover. However, things change with the entry of Merit's grandfather Dale, who has been remaining alienated in the family's lake house.

My Dead Friend Zoe explores the themes of grief, friendships, family relationships, and mental health in the context of the military world. It is apparent in the trailer that the film is laced with dark comedic moments, whilst dealing with complex subjects. It provokes intrigue in the viewers' minds with the ending line of the trailer that reads "..and the ending will take your breath away".

Who is in the cast of My Dead Friend Zoe?

Along with Sonequa Martin-Green as Merit and Natalie Morales as Zoe, we have a promising star cast of actors including the Golden Globe-winning actor Ed Harris as Dale and Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman as Dr. Cole. The cast includes: