Coming to cinemas ahead of Children’s Grief Awareness Day is Dear Zoe, a poignant and powerful coming-of-age drama based on Philip Beard’s 2005 award-winning novel.
It tells the story of Tess DeNunzio (played by Stranger Things star Sadie Sink), her mother Elly (Jessica Capshaw), stepfather David (Justin Bartha), and little sister Emily (Vivien Lyra Blair), following the death of Tess’ other little sister Zoe (Mckenzie Noel Rusiewicz). Seeking emotional support, she rekindles her relationship with her estranged biological father (Theo Rossi) and starts a blossoming romance with her next-door neighbor Jimmy (Kweku Collins). The story centers around Tess’ journey of discovering her inner strength and self-worth despite painful circumstances.
Producers Brenda and Marc Lhormer hope that the movie becomes a “healing experience for all” and that it will highlight the importance of supporting grieving children and teens. The National Alliance for Children’s Grief is partnering with Dear Zoe to raise awareness and release the film during Grief Awareness Month.
The film premiers on November 4, 2022, with a screening at the Apple Cinemas in Cambridge, MA, and will be available to rent or buy on these video-on-demand platforms, including iTunes on AppleTV, Amazon, AT&T U-Verse, DirecTV, Dish Network and Sling TV, iN DEMAND (Spectrum, Comcast), Vudu, Xbox, Google Play, and YouTube.
If appropriate, check out the movie, and for more resources on teen grief, follow this link.
