My Dead Friend Zoe is a 2024 American comedy-drama film directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes in his feature debut. There are some great actors in the movie, such as Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Gloria Reuben, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Morgan Freeman, and Ed Harris. The script was written by Hausmann-Stokes and A.J. Bermudez.
“My Dead Friend Zoe” is a dark comedy-drama that shows how complicated PTSD can be for soldiers. The movie is about Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army soldier from Afghanistan, who deals with the death of her best friend Zoe (Natalie Morales) by keeping in touch with Zoe’s ghost. Merit has problems with her family, especially her grandpa Dale (Ed Harris), who served in Vietnam, and this special bond makes them fight at their family lake house.
The film had its world premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 9, 2024, where it won the Audience Award. It is set for theatrical release in the United States on February 28, 2025. Now, let’s dive into the stunning filming locations that brought this movie to life!
Where Was My Dead Friend Zoe Filmed?
The movie “My Dead Friend Zoe” was filmed across multiple locations in Oregon, providing a mix of urban and rural settings that enhance the film’s visual storytelling. Let’s explore these locations!
Portland, Oregon
Portland played a significant role in bringing the film to life. Known for its lush greenery and vibrant arts scene, the city provided various backdrops, from bustling streets to serene parks.
“Portland’s diverse scenery made it the perfect setting for multiple key scenes in the movie,” said director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes. The city has been a favorite filming location for movies and TV shows like Grimm, Portlandia, and The Goonies.
Forest Grove, Oregon
A charming city west of Portland, Forest Grove was another primary filming location. With its picturesque small-town feel and stunning natural landscapes, it added authenticity to the film’s intimate moments.
“Forest Grove offered exactly what we needed—a peaceful yet visually compelling setting that helped tell Merit’s story,” shared one of the producers.
The area has also been featured in The Librarians and First Cow.
Molalla, Oregon
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Molalla provided a rustic and emotionally rich setting for various scenes.
“Molalla has a heartwarming small-town atmosphere, and filming here added a realness to the story that we couldn’t have achieved elsewhere,” said lead actress Sonequa Martin-Green.
Molalla is famous for its annual Buckeroo Rodeo and has previously been used for Westerns and indie films.
When Did the Filming of My Dead Friend Zoe Take Place?
Filming took place in 2023 across Portland, Forest Grove, and Molalla. By September 2023, production was officially wrapped. The use of Oregon’s natural beauty and urban landscapes contributed to the movie’s striking visuals.
My Dead Friend Zoe Plot Summary
My Dead Friend Zoe is a dark comedy-drama about Merit, a tough U.S. Army vet played by Sonequa Martin-Green, who’s trying to navigate life after serving in Afghanistan. She’s stuck dealing with some heavy baggage—namely, her best friend Zoe (Natalie Morales), who died over there but keeps popping up like a ghost with a sharp sense of humor. Zoe’s not just a memory; she’s a full-on presence, cracking jokes and nagging Merit about her messy life. It’s like having a dead buddy who won’t let you move on, and Merit’s both annoyed and comforted by it.
Things get more complicated when Merit’s estranged grandpa (Ed Harris), a grumpy Vietnam vet with early Alzheimer’s, needs looking after at the family lake house. She reluctantly steps up, and their clashing personalities—his old-school stubbornness versus her guarded sarcasm—make for some tense but funny moments. Meanwhile, Merit’s dodging her VA group therapy sessions, where Dr. Cole (Morgan Freeman) keeps pushing her to face her trauma. He’s calm and wise, but she’s not ready to unpack all that pain.
As Merit juggles her grandpa’s fading memory and Zoe’s constant chatter, she starts confronting the guilt and grief she’s been hauling around. The lake house becomes this messy backdrop for her to figure things out—sometimes yelling at Zoe, sometimes leaning on her. It’s not all heavy, though; the movie’s got a quirky vibe, mixing laughs with the gut punches. By the end, Merit’s forced to decide if she’s going to keep running from her past or finally deal with it. With standout performances and a balance of heart and humor, it’s a story about healing, even when your best friend’s a ghost who won’t shut up.
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Behind the Scenes of My Dead Friend Zoe (2025)
Making My Dead Friend Zoe was a labor of love for director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, who stepped into his first feature film with a story ripped from his own life. An Army paratrooper who served in Iraq and earned a Bronze Star, Hausmann-Stokes teamed up with co-writer A.J. Bermudez to craft a script that’s 93% autobiographical—except he flipped the gender of his main characters. Why? After interviewing women veterans across the country, he wanted to spotlight their underrepresented stories. The result? A film that feels raw and real, starring Sonequa Martin-Green as Merit and Natalie Morales as the ghostly Zoe.
Filming kicked off with a tight-knit vibe, thanks to a cast packed with talent like Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman, both veterans themselves. Freeman, who plays the wise Dr. Cole, brought his own Air Force experience to the therapy scenes, where real vets filled out the group—some even got to improvise their stories. Harris, as Merit’s gruff grandpa, leaned into the role with a mix of fire and heart, while Martin-Green and Morales bonded hard off-screen, making their on-screen chemistry pop. Morales, known for her quick wit, nailed Zoe’s humor, while Martin-Green dug deep for Merit’s quiet pain—her runs through the Oregon woods were real workouts, not just movie magic.
The crew faced some curveballs, like shooting at a lake house with Harris’ character obsessed with six trash cans—apparently, that bit came straight from Hausmann-Stokes’ own quirky family. Money-wise, the film broke ground as the first to use green energy tax credits, thanks to producers Mike Field and Ray Maiello. Even Travis Kelce jumped in as an executive producer, drawn by the veteran angle—his first movie gig ever. Hausmann-Stokes kept things personal, dedicating the film to two platoon mates lost to suicide, and wrapped it with a “pay it forward” campaign to get vets into theaters. It’s a film born from grit, heart, and a mission to show what healing really looks like.
My Dead Friend Zoe Cast Details
- Sonequa Martin-Green as Merit
- Natalie Morales as Zoe
- Ed Harris as Dale
- Morgan Freeman as Dr. Cole
- Gloria Reuben as Kris
- Utkarsh Ambudkar as Alex
- Thom Tran as Rufus
My Dead Friend Zoe Official Trailer
The official trailer for My Dead Friend Zoe gives audiences a sneak peek into its heartwarming and thought-provoking story. Watch the trailer here:
From the bustling streets of Portland to the peaceful charm of Forest Grove and Molalla, My Dead Friend Zoe Filming Locations played a crucial role in bringing this touching story to life. With its engaging storyline and breathtaking visuals, the film promises to be a must-watch.
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