Travis Kelce has ventured into film production with his role as executive producer for the dark comedy-drama My Dead Friend Zoe, which premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 9, 2024. The film, directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes, explores the story of a U.S. Army veteran dealing with the loss of her best friend and reconciling with her estranged grandfather. The all-star cast includes Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Sonequa Martin-Green, and Natalie Morales.

My Dead Friend Zoe is a dark comedy-drama centered on a U.S. Army veteran named Merit, who is grappling with post-military life and the emotional scars of her service. The story explores her complicated relationship with her late best friend, Zoe, whose ghost continues to appear, symbolizing unresolved grief and trauma. As Merit navigates her life, she also faces the challenge of reconnecting with her estranged grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran. Their generational differences and shared experiences with military service create tension, but also opportunities for healing and understanding. 

The film balances humor with heartfelt moments, offering a nuanced look at mental health, military culture, and the complexities of human connection. Perhaps its effectiveness is partly due to the source material for this story being director Hausmann-Stokes’ own experiences. A U.S. Army veteran himself, Hausmann-Stokes served in Iraq and has been an advocate for veteran mental health and storytelling. The film reflects his insights into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by veterans, including themes of grief, survivor’s guilt, and post-traumatic stress. 

Hausmann-Stokes has stated that the story, while fictional, draws heavily from his personal journey and those of fellow veterans, aiming to provide an authentic portrayal of military life and its aftermath. The character of Zoe, who appears as a ghost, symbolizes the lingering presence of fallen comrades, a feeling familiar to many who have served. The film seeks to address these issues with both humor and compassion, offering a fresh perspective on the veteran experience.

Audiences have responded positively to early screenings of the film with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a score of 100% at the time of this writing. Not a bad start for Travis Kelce’s first big project as a producer in Hollywood.