Dear Zoe is a coming-of-age drama film released in 2019. It is based on the novel of the same name by Philip Beard. The movie revolves around a 15-year-old girl named Tess who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of her younger sister, Zoe.
Tess lives with her mother and stepfather in a wealthy suburb in Pennsylvania. Her biological father, a slacker named Lenny, lives in a trailer park on the other side of town. Despite not being a regular presence in Tess's life, Lenny is the only person who seems to understand her grief. He introduces her to a charming juvenile delinquent named Adam, who becomes her friend and confidant.
Through a series of flashbacks, we see the close bond that Tess shared with Zoe and how much she misses her. Tess carries around a journal that her sister used to write in, and she continues to add to it as a way to stay connected to her.
As Tess navigates the grief process, she begins to rebel against her strict mother and stepfather and gravitates towards Lenny and Adam. Together, the unlikely trio goes on road trips and has deep conversations about life and death. Tess also confronts her mother about why she and Lenny were never together and uncovers a family secret that changes everything.
Dear Zoe is a heart-wrenching and poignant film about loss, family, and healing. The outstanding performances by the cast, particularly Sadie Sink as Tess and Theo Rossi as Lenny, make it a must-watch.