Sonequa Martin-Green, known for her roles in “The Walking Dead” and “Star Trek: Discovery,” takes on a new challenge in “My Dead Friend Zoe.” In this film, Martin-Green portrays Merit, a soldier dealing with PTSD after losing her battle buddy, Zoe, who now appears as an apparition reminding her of her grief. The film, directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, a real-life army veteran, balances humor and emotional impact. Martin-Green’s performance is powerful alongside iconic actors like Ed Harris, who plays her cranky grandfather.
In an interview, Martin-Green shared the experience of leading a war film as a woman of color, and particularly an intense scene with Ed Harris that left her shaken. She emphasized the importance of representation in the film, which uniquely tells its story through female characters. Merit and Zoe’s friendship is portrayed with authenticity, bringing specific experiences of two women of color into focus.
Martin-Green describes her chemistry with Natalie Morales, who plays Zoe, as organic and sincere. The pair connected immediately, making their dynamic onscreen natural and believable. The humor in their interactions was evident, even in challenging scenes that required maintaining composure despite Morales’ attempts to break character with laughter.
Reflecting on moments of levity, Martin-Green recalled fun experiences on set, such as the car karaoke scene. However, the film is laden with heavier themes, and for Martin-Green, the most challenging scene was a parking lot confrontation after a bar date, which left her emotionally tied in knots. Her dedication to authentically portraying these experiences, in service to veterans and those struggling with similar issues, showed her commitment.
The relationship between Merit and her grandfather, Dale, played by Ed Harris, is a profound part of the film. Harris’ portrayal of Dale, inspired by the director’s own grandfather, offers an emotional depth that resonated with Martin-Green. The impactful scene where Harris confronts her about trivial matters left Martin-Green visibly shaking, highlighting the potency of their onscreen relationship.
During the emotionally charged dialogue-free picnic scene, Martin-Green captured the essence of completing a heartfelt journey. The significance of this moment reflects the deep bond between characters, embodying the hope of reconciliation that transcends the film’s narrative.
In addition to acting, Martin-Green served as an executive producer along with her co-stars Natalie Morales and Ed Harris. This marked her first experience in such a capacity for a feature film. Invited by Hausmann-Stokes to contribute creatively, she embraced the opportunity to shape the film from behind the scenes, integrating personal elements like a photograph of her late father, adding emotional resonance to her portrayal.
Engaging with the film’s post-production allowed Martin-Green to bring her insights from previous experiences on “Star Trek: Discovery” to “My Dead Friend Zoe,” enriching the final storytelling product. Her contributions, grounded in respect and sensitivity to the project’s weighty themes, were pivotal in achieving the film’s aim to resonate universally.
“My Dead Friend Zoe” offers audiences a poignant exploration of grief, relationships, and healing. Martin-Green’s heartfelt performance, especially in scenes with Ed Harris, anchors the film’s powerful narrative. With its thoughtful approach to complex emotions and the enduring bonds between characters, the film leaves a lasting impact on viewers, encouraging reflections on personal and collective experiences.
