My Dead Friend Zoe: Veterans’ Mental Health Struggles

This is the directorial debut of Director/Co-Writer Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, and he’s done a fine job.  Kyle is a Veteran, and the film is based on a true story, although the two main characters are female.  It’s an Indie film that won many awards at the Woodstock Film Festival – it even has a 95% Critic score and 94% Audience score on Rotten Tomatoes!  If you don’t see it at the theater (since, without any marketing, it won’t last long), I’d definitely rent it when it becomes available.

Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green) is an Army Veteran who spent 8 years in Afghanistan.  After her discharge, she is floundering around and can’t seem to get her shit together.  She’s unemployed and has no romantic relationship.  One day, Merit loses control of her temper and gets court-ordered to attend a Veterans’ PTSD group led by Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman).  Merit doesn’t want to be there and refuses to open up.  Her close friend, Zoe (also a Vet, played by Natalie Morales), is making snide, sarcastic remarks during the group.  After the group ends, Dr. Cole confronts Merit and informs her that unless she participates in the group, she will not get credit for completing her treatment.  In that case, she will likely go to prison!

Zoe, however, is dead!  Much as Cosmo Topper (from the hilarious 1950’s TV show, “Topper”) is the only person who could see and hear the ghosts of George and Maryanne Kirby and their alcoholic St. Bernard (Neil), Merit is the only person who can see and hear Zoe!  She is always accompanying Merit, most of the time running a sarcastic, humorous commentary on whatever is happening.  Essentially, for whatever reason, Merit can’t mourn and let go of Zoe, which is an essential task in order for Merit to move on with her life.  How Zoe died is a mystery!

Merit’s mother (Gloria Reuben) calls Merit and informs her that her maternal grandfather, Dale (Ed Harris), has early stage Alzheimer’s and was found wandering along a highway.  Merit needs to drive up to his lake house and check up on him.  Dale had a distinguished Army career and rose to be a Lt. Colonel (in fact, he was the main reason that Merit enlisted).  He is a strict, no-nonsense kind of guy.  Dale is also mourning the loss of his wife, who died nine months prior to Merit’s mother’s call.  Dale and Merit have a close and interesting relationship.  Merit’s mother wants Merit to sell the house and move Dale to a nearby 5-star-rated assisted living facility, but Dale loves where he lives and is resistant to any relocation.

The rest of the movie primarily involves how Merit navigates the loss of Zoe and resolves the house issue with her grandfather.  The movie strikes a difficult and impressive balance between comedy and poignancy.  Martin-Green is terrific, and I predict that she will become a star!  Ed Harris and Morales also do a first-rate job.  The film is an Indie gem, and you won’t even get PTSD or need group therapy after watching it!