My dead best friend' Zoe. Movie review.

A few days ago, my father and I attended a movie I hadn’t even realized was showing. I left the theater deeply moved and convinced that veterans should bring their families to see this film. It offers invaluable insight into veterans' challenges and helps loved ones understand, even partially, the experiences their veteran family members endured during military service.

The film brilliantly portrays the struggles of readjusting to civilian life after the trauma of war, with a particular emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The heart of the story revolves around Marion, her father, and her mother, highlighting Marion's painful journey with PTSD while grappling with the difficult decision of whether to move her aging father into a nursing home.

One of the standout elements for me was the character of Zoe, whose ghost adds a touch of humor to an otherwise heavy narrative. I found myself wishing Zoe had survived, even if it meant living with brain damage, as it would have opened up a rich exploration of how the main character copes with a friend who is irrevocably changed. Despite this, the film was powerful and resonant in its existing form.

The sadness of Zoe's preventable death hit hard, but I empathized with her struggles, drawing from the connections I’ve made in various groups. The bonds formed in the military among squad members often surpass even family ties; they are profound and lasting.

If I were able-to I would enlist in the Army without a second thought. Unfortunately, my disability keeps me from serving, a reality I grapple with, mainly reflecting on the post-9/11 era. This film offers a compelling and authentic portrayal of someone wrestling with PTSD, and I wholeheartedly urge everyone to experience it. Don't miss your chance to see this remarkable film now in theaters. if you cannot catch it in theaters for any reason, you can check it out on Amazon Prime.