Teenage Tess is sent to live with her father in Pittsburgh after the death of her mother in a terrorist attack. There, she navigates grief and forms unexpected bonds with a group of high school students. As she copes with her loss, she discovers a hidden side to her mother's past and begins to heal through music and friendship.

Dear Zoe received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who found the film's tone uneven and its plot somewhat predictable. While some praised the performances, particularly from the young cast, others felt the exploration of grief and trauma was superficial. Audience reception was similarly divided, with many finding it a poignant but flawed coming-of-age story.

• Performances by the young cast are often cited as a highlight.
• The film's handling of grief and trauma is criticized for being underdeveloped.
• The narrative structure and emotional arcs are considered by many to be predictable.

Google audience: Google users generally found 'Dear Zoe' to be an emotional and heartfelt film, with many appreciating the focus on themes of loss and healing. However, some viewers felt the story could have been more impactful and that certain plot points felt unrealistic or underdeveloped.

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Philip Beard, who co-wrote the screenplay with his son, Lucas.