My Dead Friend Zoe

My Dead Friend Zoe

Year: 2025

Runtime: 1 h 38 m

Language: english

Director: Kyle Hausmann-Stokes

ComedyDramaWar

Engaged in a mysterious relationship with her dead best friend from the Army, a female Afghanistan veteran comes head to head with her Vietnam vet grandfather at the family's ancestral lake house.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen My Dead Friend Zoe yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – My Dead Friend Zoe (2025)
Explore the full timeline and setting of My Dead Friend Zoe (2025). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2016, Present Day

The movie spans two critical periods: the year 2016 during the characters' military service in Afghanistan, and the present day as they navigate life after the army. This juxtaposition emphasizes the lingering effects of combat experience on mental health and the struggles of adapting to civilian standards, especially concerning unresolved trauma.

Location

Afghanistan, Shady Acres

The film primarily takes place in Afghanistan, where the main characters experienced the trials of military life and the bond between soldiers. Shady Acres acts as a significant location in the present day, serving as a retirement home where important emotional exchanges occur, highlighting the challenges faced by veterans transitioning into civilian life.

🌍 Locations 🏡 Retirement Home

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:41

Main Characters – My Dead Friend Zoe (2025)
Meet the key characters of My Dead Friend Zoe (2025), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Merit Charles

A complex character dealing with the aftermath of military life, Merit struggles with PTSD and the guilt over her friend Zoe's suicide. Her journey reflects a deeper emotional battle, as she learns to confront her past and reconcile with her decisions.

🌟 Protagonist 🎖 Military Veteran 🧠 PTSD

Zoe Ramirez

Zoe is portrayed as Merit's closest friend and fellow soldier, whose tragic fate deeply impacts Merit. Her character symbolizes the struggles of veterans, particularly the hopelessness felt by those re-entering civilian life after service.

🦋 Friend 🎖 Military Veteran 💔 Loss

Dr. Cole

Dr. Cole serves as the group therapy director, guiding veterans through their trauma. He represents the nurturing figure needed to help characters like Merit face their painful pasts and emphasizes the importance of mental health support.

👨‍⚕️ Therapist 🎓 Mentor 💬 Support

Kris

Kris, Merit's mother, plays a crucial role in her daughter's life, expressing concern over her grandfather Dale's health and the ensuing family dynamics. Her character represents the struggles of families dealing with the realities of aging and mental health.

👩‍👧 Family 💔 Concerned 🏡 Caregiver

Alex

Alex is introduced as a potential romantic interest for Merit, providing a contrast to her turbulent past. His presence symbolizes hope and normalcy for veterans, evoking themes of connection amidst chaos.

❤️ Romantic Interest 🏙 Caregiver 🌼 Friendship

Dale

Merit's grandfather, Dale, embodies the struggles of aging and the impacts of military history on family. His diagnosis of Alzheimer's adds another layer to the story, highlighting intergenerational challenges faced by veterans and their families.

👴 Family 💔 Alzheimer’s 🎖 Veteran

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:41

Major Themes – My Dead Friend Zoe (2025)
Explore the central themes of My Dead Friend Zoe (2025), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Loss

The theme of loss permeates throughout the film, highlighted by the suicide of Zoe and Merit’s guilt over her perceived role in it. It explores how loss affects not only individuals but also their relationships, particularly highlighting the emotional scars left on veterans like Merit.

🧠 Mental Health

Mental health is a central theme as Merit grapples with PTSD and the hallucination of Zoe, representing her unresolved grief. The film brings attention to the mental health struggles faced by veterans, emphasizing the importance of support systems and therapy in the healing process.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship is poignantly depicted through the bond between Merit and Zoe. Their relationship reflects the challenges of maintaining connections when faced with trauma, highlighting the need for companionship and understanding in overcoming life's hardships.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:41