Sat Mar 01 21:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Army Veteran’s Trauma Explored in Moving New Drama “My Dead Friend Zoe”

**New York, NY** – “My Dead Friend Zoe,” a new independent drama directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, offers a poignant exploration of PTSD and the lasting impact of war. The film stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Merit, an Army veteran grappling with the death of her friend Zoe (Natalie Morales) and the burden of caring for her ailing grandfather (Ed Harris), a Vietnam veteran suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The film, written by Hausmann-Stokes and A.J. Bermudez, is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from Hausmann-Stokes’ own experiences serving in Iraq. While the title might seem subtly ironic, the movie itself is profoundly sincere, showcasing Merit’s struggle to process her trauma through flashbacks of her deployment with Zoe and her present-day life. These flashbacks reveal the pair’s contrasting post-deployment plans and their strong bond.

Martin-Green delivers a powerful performance, conveying Merit’s internal conflict and emotional turmoil as she navigates grief, guilt, and the lingering presence of Zoe in her memories, particularly during group therapy sessions led by Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman). The supporting cast, including a standout performance from Ed Harris, further enhances the film’s emotional depth.

Though the filmmaking style is described as straightforward, the film’s strength lies in its compelling performances and its honest portrayal of the challenges faced by veterans. “My Dead Friend Zoe” is a promising feature debut for Hausmann-Stokes, offering a heartfelt and moving testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and the complex journey of healing from war.

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