User Reviews

This was by far the best premiere at SXSW Film Festival this year! Kyle Hausmann-Stokes (writer, director, producer) brings independent filmmaking with a heart and storytelling with a purpose to its best. My Dead Friend Zoe is so emotionally powerful that it is standing ovation material. The multigenerational elements and the multiple timelines add complexity without losing the audience. The film is tense and also sweet, with laugh out loud comedic moments-those moments we can all relate to. Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris as Viet Nam vets provide different perspectives, and so do Sonequa Martin-Green and Natalie Morales as Afghanistan vets. The story comes off as authentic because casting and acting are flawless. I'm not a vet, but I came away with a new understanding-not just of issues involved in military service but also of grief and reintegration after leaving the service. Ultimately, I see this film as a story about treating everyone, no matter their age, gender, or ethnicity, with dignity and compassion.

I attended the world premier of this movie at SXSW and was very impressed with how this film handled issues of mental health with both dignity and humor. The performances were beyond exceptional and the script was refreshing and nuanced. For a first time director and writer to make his debut in this fashion is truly remarkable. I can't wait for this film to hit theaters so I can see it again.

The writer/director dared to share his very personal story through the lens of two minoritized women. This was a very courageous and rare step to take which also should be applauded because the execution comes off flawlessly.

I saw this at SXSW 2024, and it was by far the best movie there (as also stated above). It is based on a true story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it also made me think more about veterans and the challenges that they face when they return from war.

I am trying not to reveal too much and spoil it for other folks but if you are going to watch this - please have a box of tissues around!

The acting is incredible - with people like Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, you cannot go wrong. I am not as familiar with some of the other actresses/actors, but I definitely know their names now! They are phenomenal.

A must-see movie, with a very important message for the audience.

I saw My Dead Friend Zoe at the SXSW premiere after having seen Kyle Hausmann-Stokes' original short film, Merit + Zoe, and I can honestly say, I was blown away by the finished product. The short laid the groundwork for a uniquely interesting story, and this film brought it to life in such a human, funny, real, and emotional way. This is truly one of the most heartfelt movies I have seen in a long time.

I am understating it when I say Sonequa Martin-Green gave an award-worthy performance as Merit. The rest of the team (including Natalie Morales, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, and Gloria Reuben) are perfectly cast in their roles. While the storyline is military-focused and it paints what feels like a very real picture of the camaraderie, anxiety, and uncertainty of service, the story it weaves about friendship and loss and love and forgiveness is incredibly universal and absolutely beautiful.

Wow! Kyle Stokes gave us a real bright light on what we as soldiers and families endure as veterans. I just received by DD 214 and folded flag the Wednesday before this premier. My Army retirement hasn't really hit me yet.....this film is a gift to all veterans, past, present and future. The acronym LDRSHIP was exhibited nicely: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. These seven basic values are what makes this film so special. These values are what is going to make Kyle Stokes an excellent writer and director in the film industry. I look forward to his future productions.

As another reviewer said, this was the best film at SXSW 2024 BY FAR. First, how remarkable it is to have a white director cast minority women in the lead roles - that in itself is amazing. However, it is the skill in which the director (and writers) are able to combine laugh-out-loud humor with the serious issues at hand and have the audience get a sense of the challenges facing veterans that really leaves the audience moved. You can really see and feel the HEART that went into this film, and I've been telling everyone I know about it. Keep your eye on this director -- he's going places FOR SURE.

In "My Dead Friend Zoe," Kyle Hausmann-Stokes takes audiences on an unforgettable emotional journey, masterfully weaving together laughter and tears in a film that radiates warmth and sincerity from start to finish.

Kyle, who serves as the writer, director, and producer, demonstrates a keen understanding of the human experience, infusing every scene with genuine emotion and depth. The carefully timed laughs provide moments of levity amidst the weighty drama, creating a delicate balance that resonates long after the credits roll.

As a military veteran, I found a deeply personal connection to the story, particularly through Sonequa's character, who grapples with the profound challenges of grief and guilt in a world that often feels alienating. Her portrayal of Merit transcends the typical tropes of a military veteran depicted in film, offering a nuanced exploration of the universal themes of loss and redemption. The rest of the cast was nothing short of amazing. Zoe and Dale, played by Natalie Morales and Ed Harris, serve as the emotional anchors of the film, providing humor and heartache all played at just the right moments and done so masterfully. The character Alex, played by Utkarsh Ambudkar, provides an organically relateable living companion for our main protagonist as an outsider (civilian) looking in. Dr. Cole and Kris (Merit's mother) are breathed to life by Morgan Freeman and Gloria Reuben and help to provide that connective tissue between family, loss, and the process of moving on. It was a great feeling to see actual veterans in the supporting cast represented throughout the film. It is a testament to the spirit of the film and resonated with me as a viewer and as a service member.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to highlight the inherent relatability of the human experience. Through authentic character development and heartfelt storytelling, MDFZ reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all bound by common emotions and struggles. This unique quality fosters a sense of compassion and understanding that reverberates throughout the film.

In a cinematic landscape often saturated with formulaic storytelling, MDFZ stands out as a breath of fresh air. Kyle Hausmann-Stokes's personal touch and unwavering commitment to authenticity create an immersive viewing experience that leaves a profound impact on the audience. His execution elevate the film beyond mere entertainment, offering a profound exploration of the human condition that is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. I salute you.

To pigeonhole this film into the military genre would be easy enough. The film is about Veterans and prominently features actual US Veterans in several supporting roles on screen. Director/producer/screenwriter Kyle Hausmann-Stokes semi-autobiographical story about his relationship with his grandfather and his platoon mates transcends any military movie you've seen before.

My Dead Friend Zoe does not tread lightly among the themes of grief, loss, and survivors guilt; all of which are put on beautiful, albeit gut wrenching display in a standout performance by Sonequa Martin-Green as Merit. Do not, however, let these tragic themes fool you. This film is a dark comedy after all and its titular character Zoe (Natalie Morales) has definitely got jokes. Morales's nuanced performance is also not to be missed.

WOW!! MDFZ gave me ALL the Feels! The screenplay was witty & real with Gut busting laughter, Happy tears, Sad tears, Heart-warming moments, Anger, & lastly Hope & Joy! This powerful, unforgettable film handles all the emotions with extreme care, attention to detail, rawness, & authenticity - pure artistry. I loved that it was not at all like many other films about veterans. The story about a friendship between 2 women veterans (not explored in previous vet films) deployed to Afghanistan, was so deeply touching. You couldn't help but fall in love with them! The struggles they both experienced, notably PTSD, was told in a completely unique way - one as the survivor, the other as the ghost of the Dead Friend. The cast was absolutely Stellar!! The naturally comedic actress Natalie Morales as Zoe (dead friend), had the entire theater roaring with laughter. I loved Ed Harris as the salty, stubborn Grandpa (Vietnam Vet), who was suffering from alzheimer's, as he emotionally shed light on the wounds of other generational veterans. The screenplay was so uniquely written as it showcased 1 vet losing their memories & the other wanting to forget. Morgan Freeman was perfect as the Vietnam Vet counselor, patiently waiting for Merritt (perfectly played by Sonequa martin-Green) to begin her healing journey. And Utkarsh Ambudkar (Alex) was hilarious as the understanding friend/love interest. Kyle Hausmann- Stokes Knocked this film out of the Ballpark on every level!! Highly Recommend!!

Attended the premiere and simply put, this movie was amazing. You laughed, and you cried several times and truly wanted to help all veterans in any way possible at the conclusion. It handled an extremely difficult topic with dignity and respect. A standing ovation summarized the audience's reaction as well as the SWSX staff who had seen the movie prior and were still emotionally connected. One of the best movies I've seen in years and our friends who attended completely agreed.

Congrats to all involved especially Kyle, Ray, Mike, legion M, and of course the amazing actors / cast who did our country and its veterans so proud. You all have made a difference.