The film "My Dead Friend Zoe" begins with a surprisingly brisk pace, even for a movie with such a title, directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stoke.

Initially, we see two American female soldiers in a Humvee in Afghanistan 2016, blasting Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” They are obviously close friends, more engrossed in the loud music than in any potential danger. Zoe (Natalie Morales) tells Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green) that if they ever find themselves in "some silly group therapy," she should just kill her.

Fast forward a few years, and they are now in a counseling session for veterans, with Zoe's character looking displeased. She turns to Merit: “Did we survive the dumbest war ever just to end up here, broken and singing kumbaya while nursing our hurt feelings?”

But this cavalier soldierly banter and sharp sarcasm soon give way to a sobering realization. Merit blinks and sees an empty chair. Zoe isn’t actually there.

“My Dead Friend Zoe,” featuring Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris, tackles the harsh realities of post-combat life with a mix of humor, playfulness, trauma, and sorrow. The film emerges from genuine experiences, evident in its execution. Hausmann-Stoke, a veteran himself, dedicates the film to two platoon mates who took their own lives. The opening credits reveal the movie is “inspired by a true story.”

Many films about the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, have faced audience apathy, and the production of such films has dwindled over time. “My Dead Friend Zoe” seems crafted with an awareness of this trend, standing as a challenge to it.

Despite its challenging and dark subject matter, the film often maintains a breezy and humorous tone. This comic approach in "My Dead Friend Zoe" serves as a lively counter to not only the gravity of many veteran films but also the grief experienced by those who have faced loss and PTSD.

Throughout the narrative, Zoe appears only to Merit, reminiscent of Brad Pitt’s role in “Fight Club,” joining her in song as she drives or impatiently waiting for her to return from a run. Whether this ongoing vision of Zoe is beneficial or detrimental for Merit remains uncertain. Merit clings to her friend, or rather the memory of her, while Zoe dismisses any talk of emotions. As an apparition, Zoe is both a source of pain and a solace for Merit.

The film also includes perspectives from two exceptional actors. Freeman portrays the counselor at Merit’s obligatory group sessions. He challenges Zoe to engage and share, threatening to withhold her certification if she doesn’t comply.

Meanwhile, Merit’s grandfather, Dale (Harris), a Vietnam veteran, has recently been diagnosed with early Alzheimer’s. Merit must oversee him at his lakeside cabin and assist in transitioning him to a retirement community — a plan that angers him. As Merit’s inspiration for joining the army, Dale — steadfast and reserved — represents a previous generation of soldiers.

As the film toggles between present day and wartime flashbacks, “My Dead Friend Zoe” sometimes experiences uneven transitions. The dynamic between Merit and Zoe evolves, beginning as a buddy comedy and shifting towards a haunting reminiscent of a horror film, particularly when Merit tentatively agrees to a date with an employee at the prospective retirement home (Utkarsh Ambudkar).

Nevertheless, the film’s sincerity carries it through these less polished sections. The strong cast also contributes significantly. Watching Freeman and Harris, still performing at their peak, is an opportunity to be cherished. Freeman is characteristically wise, while Harris is fiery as ever. The leading roles shine even brighter. Morales excels as a skeptical soldier, loyal to her friend but little else. With impressive poise, Martin-Green (“The Walking Dead”) leads a film that can feel scattered yet remains heartfelt.

“My Dead Friend Zoe,” distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language. The film’s duration is 101 minutes. Three stars out of four.